§ Mr. FLAVINasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the following co-operative societies, amongst others, are giving full net weight in their tea packets and not weighing in the tea wrapper, namely, four ounces of tea net for quarter-pounds, eight ounces of tea net for half-pounds, and sixteen ounces of tea net for pounds; the Manchester and Salford Equitable Co-operative Society, Limited, the Gateshead Industrial Co-operative Society, Limited, the Edmonton Co-operative Society, Limited, the Long Eaton Working Men's Co-operative Society, Limited, the St. Cuthbert's Co-operative Association, Limited, the Bristol Cooperative Society, Limited, the Leicester Co-operative Society, Limited, and the Preston Industrial Co-operative Society, Limited; and whether he will take steps to see that other multiple shops will follow the lead given by these co-operative societies by weighing the tea net and not including the wrapper in the weight?
Captain BATHURSTI see no reason to doubt the accuracy of the statement made by the hon. Member, although, obviously, I cannot verify it in the case of each of the societies named. As I have previously stated, the Food Controller does not, at present, propose to adopt the course suggested.