HC Deb 22 November 1967 vol 754 cc1306-7
29. Mr. Francis Noel-Baker

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in drafting legislation in consumer protection, he will seek to ensure that goods of common consumption including confectionery, cosmetics, soap and detergents can be sold only in recognised quantities, in order to prevent concealed price increases.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

The Weights and Measures Act, 1963, already requires indications of quantity on nearly all pre-packed articles of these kinds unless the quantities are very small. A price increase cannot, therefore, be concealed.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Does my hon. Friend agree that the exceptions are very important to the housewife, and will she look at the matter again?

Mrs. Dunwoody

I agree that it is very aggravating when small amounts are involved, but at present there is no likelihood of this question being re-examined.

Mr. Lubbock

In view of the requirement that the price of goods should be displayed on the pack, will the hon. Lady also consider making a requirement that the price per unit should be shown, so that the housewife can compare similar goods sold in different pack sizes?

Mrs. Dunwoody

The matter of how packs are marked is being examined, because there is the whole question of changing to the metric system.