HC Deb 15 July 1957 vol 573 cc730-1
2. Mrs. Mann

asked the Paymaster-General if his attention has been drawn to the evidence concerning the bad quality of coal delivered by retailers and incorrect pricing of deliveries and to the complaints of housewives on these matters; and if he will take steps to empower inspectors of weights and measures throughout Great Britain to inspect for grade and price, as well as for weight.

Mr. Maudling

I have received no evidence to suggest that overcharging through upgrading quality is so widespread as to make it necessary for all weights and measures inspectors to be given additional powers of inspection.

Mrs. Mann

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been quite a number of prosecutions for this very thing? In view of the fact that the weights and measures inspectors of Glasgow and Bradford have power to inspect for grade and price as well as for weight, what reason is there to prevent weights and measures inspectors all over Britain from doing that? If they can do it in Glasgow and Bradford, why cannot they do it elsewhere?

Mr. Mandling

Certainly, there have been a number of prosecutions, and most of them were instituted by my Department. There is a problem here, because if we were to inspect for quality and price the inspectors would have to be given power under the Defence Regulations of entry on to private premises. That is something which I do not think we should extend lightly. It has been extended in certain areas, to which the hon. Lady referred, but if she has evidence of the necessity in particular areas for a similar extension, I should be glad to consider it.

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