asked the Minister for Justice what steps have been taken to ensure the accuracy of weighbridges and scales and weights in country districts, and whether the Gárda Síochána, who presumably are entrusted with the duties of inspection, have received any technical training in this matter; whether he is aware that in some country districts universal complaints by farmers are being made as to the inaccuracy of the weights registered, and if he will state what action is to be taken so as to remedy matters.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ACCURACY OF WEIGHBRIDGES.
The administration of the Weights and Measures Acts is carried out by the Gárda Síochána on behalf of the Local Authorities outside the Dublin area, and in all cases inspectors must be selected from the Gárda Síochána. Arrangements were made last year for the training of suitable members of the Gárda Síochána to undertake the duties of inspectors, and 21 members have already obtained certificates of proficiency as a result of an examination held by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. A further number are at present in training.
It has been necessary to secure the replacement of the standards throughout An Saorstát, which were lost in the destruction of the R.I.C. Barracks and Courthouses. New standards are being delivered week by week to the local authorities, and full replacement should be completed next month.