HL Deb 21 May 1963 vol 250 cc138-40
BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations have been received by the Board of Trade from the British Road Federation concerning the suggested withdrawal of the right, held by inspectors of weights and measures for seventy years of stopping vehicles on the highway; and if any representations to the contrary have been received.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE, BOARD OF TRADE (LORD DERWENT)

My Lords, the Board of Trade have received no formal representations from the British Road Federation on the proposal in the present Weights and Measures Bill that weights and measures inspectors should not have power to stop vehicles on the highway. I understand, however, that the Federation are in agreement with the provisions of the Bill on this matter. On the second part of the Question, a number of representations in favour of giving inspectors such power have been received.

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that this really is quite extraordinary? Does he recall that this is the fourth Question I have put down to the Government within the last few days asking for information on this particular matter? Is he aware that in none of the Answers, including his own to-day, have we been given any factual reason why the Government are persisting in this recommendation which, so far as I can see, finds favour with nobody at all?

LORD DERWENT

My Lords, I am afraid I do not understand the noble Baroness's protest. She asked me if we had received representations from the British Road Federation, and the answer is, No; but we have reason to believe that they approve of the terms of the Bill. The other part of the Question asked whether we had received representations in a contrary sense; and the answer there is, Yes.

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My Lords, I expect the noble Lord probably feels that there is no pleasing some people, but what I was asking him was whether he is aware that I have been honestly trying to find out why the Government are bent on pursuing this particular course of action, which does not find favour with the Institute of Weights and Measures Inspectors, with the local authorities, or with the trade. I am asking him if he recalls, from the Answers given to me over the last few days, that in no case, including his Answer to-day, have we been given any factual evidence by the Government for their attitude.

LORD DERWENT

With great respect, I have been asked for no factual information to-day except the factual information I have given.