HC Deb 25 November 1958 vol 596 cc207-8
31. Mrs. Mann

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the representations made by women's organisations with regard to his proposed Regulations concerning the weight marking on food, fruit, and vegetables and whether he will adopt the amendments suggested by the Labour Women's Advisory Council and other women's organisations.

Mr. J. Rodgers

My right hon. Friend has considered all the representations about the proposed Regulations which he has received from seven women's organisations, including the National Joint Committee of Working Women's Organisations through which this Labour Woman's Advisory Council's views were received. He considers that there are strong reasons mainly practical, against these specific proposals, but over the field as a whole the Regulations will give a substantial measure of protection to consumers.

Mrs. Mann

Can the hon. Gentleman say when these Regulations are likely to be given effect?

Mr. Rodgers

I cannot name a specific date, but I can say that there will be no avoidable delay in putting these Regulations before the House.

34. Mrs. Mann

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to protect housewives from short weight in packet goods, pending the introduction of new regulations and legislation.

Mr. J. Rodgers

It is already an offence under weights and measures legislation to give short weight in food, whether prepacked or not. Similar provision covering non-foodstuffs needs legislation.

Mrs. Mann

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that packs purporting to contain 1 lb. contain only 14 oz.? Is he aware that housewives are being "gipped" in the self-service stores over a whole range of fruit, vegetables and biscuits? Is he aware that it is an open secret in the trade that, far from speeding up the introduction of Regulations, there is no intention of introducing them before 1961? Does he deny that?

Mr. Rodgers

It is not for me to get a crystal ball and look as far ahead as 1961. However, where food is sold by weight, it is an offence under the Sale of Food (Weights and Measures) Act, 1926, to give short weight, and if the hon. Lady will let me have details of any charges of short weight, I shall be happy to investigate them.

Mrs. Mann

I have given that information time and again, but I have had no response from the Board of Trade.