§ 64. Mr. Butcherasked the Minister of Food what complaints he has received about the accuracy of weighbridges at cattle grading and collecting centres; whether he is aware that farmers complain of the results given by some of these machines; and whether he has any system of inspection to ensure that it is not possible for a series of mistakes detrimental to the farmer to be made.
§ Dr. SummerskillComplaints about the reliability of the weighbridges at three collecting centres have been received recently from the National Farmers' Union. 215W Every weighing machine used in connection with the grading of fatstock is required to be tested by an inspector of weights and measures once every six months and special tests may be called for at any other time if the Ministry considers it necessary.
In the majority of markets the weighbridge is regularly serviced by the makers and all certifying authorities have been instructed that they must satisfy themselves that the machines are in proper working order while cattle are being graded. The Ministry's livestock inspectors also pay careful attention to the machines during their visits to collecting centres.