§ Mr. G. WARDasked the Home Secretary if machines used for measuring leather are periodically tested in accordance with Clause 11 of Schedule B of Statutory Rules and Orders, 1921, No. 942; how many machines were inspected for the last year for which a return is made; how many were found not to measure within the margin of error set out in Clause 8 of Schedule B; if samples of imported leather are ever tested for accuracy; if not, will he take into consideration that most of this leather is sold to small users, who have no means 1602W of checking the measurement; and will he authorise periodical checks to be made?
Mr. ALEXANDERI have been asked to reply to this question. The Weights and Measures (Leather Measurement) Act, 1919, and the Regulations made under the Act to which the hon. Member refers apply only to such types of leather-measuring instruments as have been voluntarily submitted to the Board of Trade and approved by them. As but two types have so far been submitted and approved, nearly all the instruments in use for trade are outside the scope of the Act and Regulations, and the points mentioned in the earlier parts of the question consequently do not arise in respect of them. As regards the latter parts of the question, the matters raised appear to he for consideration by the trading interests concerned.