Weights and Measures

HC Deb 08 March 1960 vol 619 cc233-4

35. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, when framing the forthcoming legislation on weights and measures, he will give consideration to the need to increase above £5 the maximum penalties for offences connected with the delivery of coal.

Mr. J. Rodgers

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is giving careful consideration to the appropriate penalties for offences.

Mr. Allaun

I thank the Minister for that helpful reply. Is he aware that, meanwhile, housewives are being cheated every day; that there is no increased penalty for a second offence and that these maximum penalties were fixed seventy years ago, since when the value of £5 has shrunk considerably?

Mr. Rodgers

The drafting of the new Weights and Measures Bill is well advanced. This point will be carefully borne in mind.