HC Deb 23 July 1979 vol 971 cc42-3W
Mr. John Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the present delay between the presentation of a new pattern for weights and measures equipment and its approval; and what effect on the delay will flow from the public expenditure reductions and the moratorium on recruitment of civil servants.

Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

The delay before examination starts of new patterns of weighing or measuring equipment is currently averaging 16 months, within a range of from 12 to 19 months. Public expenditure reductions are unlikely to affect the delay period which arises mainly from a shortage of engineers. The moratorium on recruitment does not apply in this sector and we are continuing to seek to recruit staff to fill the vacancies. I hope that the new pay scales, when agreed, will assist.