asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that there is general dissatisfaction amongst the traders of Co. Cavan owing to the large number of scales, weights, and measures which are discarded by the Inspectors of Weights and Measures; and if he will state if it is not the duty of the Inspectors to adjust and stamp the weights.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - INSPECTION OF SCALES AND WEIGHTS IN CAVAN.
I am informed that protests have been received from traders in the Belturbet district, County Cavan, against rejection of weights and measures by the ex-officio inspectors. In this area, during the period from 13th August, 1924, to 30th April, 1926, the number of weights, measures and weighing instruments examined was 1,239, and the number of rejections 350. For the same period in the whole Co. Cavan the numbers were 10,860 and 2,748, respectively. The reason for the comparatively high number of rejections is that for several years prior to the Gárda Síochána taking over the duty, no inspections had been made, and there was thus a large accumulation of unjust and improper weights and measures.
Ex-officio inspectors of weights and measures are liable to severe penalties under the Weights and Measures Acts, apart from disciplinary action, if they stamp any articles which are not in conformity with the Weights and Measures Acts and regulations, and they are also forbidden by law to adjust any weight, measure or instrument which has been discarded. A civilian adjuster is, however, usually available to adjust any article which the ex-officio inspector considers can be adjusted. Moreover, traders have a right of appeal to the Minister for Industry and Commerce, who in certain specific cases may issue an order for the adjustment of rejected weights, measures and scales.