§ 25. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he is making to secure the adoption throughout the Common Market of the British system of weights and measures inspection for the protection of consumers.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanWe have made abundantly clear in discussions with our partners in the Community and with members and officials of the Commission our preference for the adoption of the system employed in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. WatkinsDoes the Minister agree that, in the light of his reply, any replacement in the system of weights and measures inspection which gives the consumer protection at the point of purchase by a system of average contents inspection carried out at the point of manufacture would be a serious reduction in consumer protection? Can he give an assurance that he will seek to ensure that such a system will not be imposed on the country?
§ Mr. BoardmanWe believe that there are obvious advantages in our system but there are clear advantages in a system being adopted which is common to the Community. We shall press that our system should be the one to be adopted.
§ Mr. PowellWould my hon. Friend welcome a resolution of the House in support of what he has just said?
§ Mr. BoardmanWe are resolved on our priorities, believing that ours is the best solution. We are also well aware that there are considerable advantages in having a common system for the Community. There would be advantages to consumers in this country as well as to those in the Community as a whole.
§ Mr. Alan WilliamsWhat impact or value would a resolution of the House 1150 have if the Common Market countries decided to go ahead with their system?
§ Mr. BoardmanA resolution of the House has a great impact on the Ministers concerned.