§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken to review the metrological control of weighing or measuring equipment for use for trade and to consider the need for new provisions which would be more attuned to modern technology and trading conditions.
107W
§ Mr. FletcherI am setting up a committee comprised of representatives from trade, industry, local authorities, consumers and the Department, under an independent chairman, to review these issues and to make recommendations. The terms of reference of the committee will be:
- (i) To review those provisions of the Weights and Measures Act 1963, as amended by sections 16 and 17 of the Weights and Measures Act 1979, concerned with pattern approval, testing, stamping and inspection of weighing or measuring equipment for use for trade, taking account of the impact of modern technology.
- (ii) To examine alternative methods of metrological control, including self-certification by manufacturers, that might be applied in future to weighing or measuring equipment and their effect on legal provisions.
- (iii) To make recommendations to the Department of Trade and Industry and report by 31 December 1984.
The committee will start its work shortly.