§ 16. Mrs. Mannasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he will take to stop weight and contents fluctuation in household commodities sold in tubes, boxes, tins, and cellophane wrappers and packets, including food, fruit, toothpaste, chemists' sundries, etc.
§ Mr. J. RodgersChanges in the quantity which manufacturers put into these containers could be prevented only by requiring the goods to be sold in certain specified quantities. Under existing law, some foodstuffs must already be sold in this way, and my right hon. Friend is considering, in connection with the proposed Weights and Measures Bill, how far such requirements and their extension to other goods are desirable.
§ Mrs. MannI am very glad that it is being considered, but we shall probably get the results of the consideration long after the next General Election but one. In the meantime, is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a false impression is created about the stability of the cost of living when, in fact, having regard to the value of the goods we are buying, there is no stability at all?
§ Mr. RodgersI think that the hon. Lady's reference to the Cost of Living Index is another question.
§ Mr. JayHow soon is this Weights and Measures Bill, which was promised for the last Session but one, to be introduced into the House?
§ Mr. RodgersI cannot say when it will be introduced into the House, but it is now in course of preparation.