The government is undertaking a full review of the powers available to Trading Standards Officers, with the intention of deciding if the officers have more legal power than is necessary. Within this full review there is a discussion of the powers available under the Weights and Measures Act, and the legal status of the Inspector of Weights and Measures.

The UKWF is stating the view firmly that they believe that the present level of powers is suitable for enforcers to ensure the proper regulation of the market. We would not wish to see any removal of those powers. It is the view of the UKWF that the problems faced do not relate to the powers available, but to the level of enforcement. A view that is confirmed by the statistics from the S70 returns above.

We have also expressed the view that we would not wish to see the removal of the statutory qualification for the Inspector of Weights and Measures. There is a concern that if the legal standard were removed there would be a decline in the competence of inspectors of weights and measures, and the last thing that we wish to see is a poorly trained inspector advising or enforcing the law.

Ian Turner
Technical Officer