5. Mrs. Slaterasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the call to keep prices down, he is aware of the wastage of material and thus high cost of packaged soap powders and cleaners in the growing trend of marketing larger packets which are not filled to capacity; and if he will bear this factor in mind when considering legislation at a future date.
§ Sir D. EcclesI will bear the hon. Lady's arguments in mind in connection with a new Weights and Measures Bill.
Mrs. SlaterWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for at least some hint that there might be legislation in the future, may I ask whether he is aware 514 that there is very large and growing concern that, while we are asking for prices to come down and trying to stabilise the economy, firms should continue to produce large packets with less material in them, thus taking greater freightage on the lorries and railways and adding to prices rather than keeping them stable?
§ Sir D. EcclesI have had a look at this matter and I understand that the hon. Lady is about to receive an invitation from soap makers to visit them.