HC Deb 25 February 1960 vol 618 cc568-9
38. Mr. Dodds

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in preparing a new Weights and Measures Bill; and when it is likely to be introduced.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Reginald Maudling)

Preparation of the Bill is well advanced but it will not be possible to find time for it in this Session.

Mr. Dodds

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that we have been waiting several years for this Bill? In view of the undertakings given during the General Election, why must it take such a long time? Can the right hon. Gentleman justify these further delays?

Mr. Maudling

I appreciate the hon. Member's concern about this important Measure. It will be a long and complicated matter when it comes forward and I am afraid that there is not time for it this Session.

Mrs. Slater

The right hon. Gentleman must know that the House has repeatedly been promised that the Bill will be brought forward. Negotiations have been taking place with all the varied interests for a long time. Why is it not possible for the Bill to be brought forward much more quickly than the Government apparently intend to do?

Mr. Maudling

It has been a long business to negotiate all this. It is a complicated Measure and I am sorry that there is not time for it this Session.