§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultation he has had with local authorities regarding the financial consequences of increasing the establishment of weights and measures staff, as envisaged in the Prices Bill legislation.
§ Mr. OakesMy officials are discussing with local authority associations the implications for local authorities' staff of the measures in the Prices Bill.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the cost of, and the number of, additional Weights and Measures staff required by local authorities fully to implement the proposed requirements of the Prices Bill.
§ Mr. OakesNo estimate has yet been made, and this would be primarily for the local authorities. Much depends on the number and type of orders made under the Bill.