HC Deb 23 July 1969 vol 787 c1718
33. Mr. Raphael Tuck

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that local weights and measures authorities are not prosecuting those responsible for advertisements for eggs produced under battery conditions which misleadingly suggest that the eggs are produced under ordinary farm conditions; and if he will seek to amend the Trade Descriptions Act so as to enable him to take such proceedings himself.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

We have no reason to suppose that local weights and measures authorities are not properly carrying out their duties in this respect. I understand that prosecution is pending in at least one such case. The Act already enables any Government Department—or indeed any other person—to prosecute.

Mr. Tuck

Is my hon. Friend aware that many people who deplore the battery system receive eggs which are either advertised as "fresh farm eggs" or labelled as "free range eggs" when they are battery-produced eggs? Can she suggest any way of combating this exploitation of the public by deliberate dissembling?

Mrs. Dunwoody

I agree that this is most reprehensible. It is my impression that many of these labels have been removed since the Act came on to the Statute Book and that the wording is now different for the sale of eggs. If my hon. Friend has any evidence I suggest that he brings it to the attention of the local weights and measures authority.