HC Deb 13 February 1958 vol 582 cc563-4
41. Mr. Dodds

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in discussing with the trade interests concerned the implementation of the main recommendations of Part III of the Hodgson Committee Report on Weights and Measures.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. F. J. Erroll)

Proposals for new regulations concerning foodstuffs were circulated to 82 organisations on 17th December, 1957, with a request for comments by 31st March this year. So far, eleven replies have been received.

Mr. Dodds

Does the hon. Member appreciate that many who would like to see housewives get better protection against unscrupulous traders feel that the proposals are trifling? Does not this matter show how important it is that we should make a genuine attempt to give housewives a square deal by creating a Ministry of consumers' welfare?

Mr. Erroll

The proposals are quite substantial, as I am sure the hon. Member will agree if he studies them in detail.