§ 2.40 p.m.
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (LORD MANCROFT)My Lords, with the recent development of self-service stores and the increase in the pre-packing of foodstuffs of various kinds, traders have found that the requirements of Section 4 of the Sale of Food (Weights and Measures) Act, 1926, that bacon and ham must be pre-packed in certain specified weights only, hinders the development of trade in these commodities, because it is difficult as well as unhygienic to cut joints and whole rashers exactly in the prescribed amounts. Following various extended consultations with trading organisations, local authorities and others, the Board of Trade are satisfied that there is a good case for amending the law so as to make it more flexible. The broad purpose of the regulations, therefore, is to remove the inflexibility of the law in regard to the sale in specified quantities only, whilst still maintaining the other protections given to the consumer. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Draft Sale of Food (Weights and Measures: Bacon and Ham) Regulations, 1956, reported from the Special Orders Committee on Wednesday last, be approved.—(Lord Mancroft.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.