HL Deb 02 March 1966 vol 273 c685

2.46 p.m.

LORD AIREDALE

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 is their estimate of the number of offences that have been committed since July 31, 1965, of selling milk pre-packed in containers not marked with any indication of quantity, contrary to the provisions of the Weights and Measures Act 1963; and how many prosecutions have taken place in respect of such offences.]

BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, enforcement of weights and measures legislation is the responsibility of the local authorities. Their first reports to the Board of Trade covering their activities since July 31, 1965, will not begin to come in until after April 1. Consequently, the Board of Trade have no knowledge so far of any offences or prosecutions of the kind referred to in the noble Lord's Question.

LORD AIREDALE

My Lords, I am obliged to the noble Baroness for that helpful reply. Would it be right to say that about a million such offences were committed this morning, and, if that is so, does it not follow from that that a number of milk distributors, instead of complying with the 1963 Act at infinitesimal cost, have been snapping their fingers in Parliament's face and making fools of Her Majesty's Government and the Board of Trade?

BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, the noble Lord will appreciate that I cannot answer on behalf of Her Majesty's Government until in fact we have some evidence on which to reply.

LORD AIREDALE

My Lords, would the Board of Trade keep an eye on matters of this kind?

LORD BYERS

My Lords, would it not be possible to find out further information from the "Co-op"?