§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the President of the Board of Trade which European(a) directive and (b) proposed directive contains provisions relating to the offer for sale of goods whose weight is specified in pounds and ounces; and which directive or proposed directive applies the criminal law to such offer for sale. [14091]
Mr. John M. TaylorGoods sold by weight, measure, length or square area are required under Directive 80/181, as amended, to use metric units as the primary indications of quantity, with the option to use imperial units as supplementary indications. Goods sold loose by the pound and the ounce may continue to use imperial units as the primary indication until 31 December 1999.
561WA number of other directives that harmonise national provisions concerning weighing instruments and the labelling of packaged goods give effect to the provisions of directive 80/181.
As regards proposals under discussion, the new price indications directive would—if adopted—require the price per unit (the "unit price") to be indicated by reference to either the kilo, litre, metre or square metre.
Neither the existing directives nor the proposed price indications directive include specific enforcement provisions. It is a matter for member states to introduce measures necessary to implement the directives, with appropriate disincentives for non-compliance.