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{
    "id": 748954,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/748954/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 98,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Omulele",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 2145,
        "legal_name": "Christopher Omulele",
        "slug": "christopher-omulele"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Speaker for allowing me to say something to this Bill before we close this session. The Legal Metrology Bill is a very important Bill because it falls under a department of Government that handles matters that deal with measures and weighing of things in this country. It is a key department with regard to trade in this country. There are provisions in this Bill that allow inspectors under this department to enter into private business premises to inspect and even seize machines and goods. Drastic powers are being put in the hands of the inspectors. My concern is that we need the officers who are now being empowered to be trained well. We know that the Constitution in this Country protects private property. Sometimes the officers under the Department of Weights and Measures act on spurious complaints. So, they go ahead to destroy businesses based on spurious claims by competitors. We do not want to have a situation where competitors use this department to destroy competition so that they remain alone in the field. As we pass this Bill, we must look at the requirement that the officers who are going to act under this law are well trained. They must know that they are acting in the interest of industries and more so the State to enhance business. Theirs is to afford the people who participate in business in this country an opportunity to trade rather than to be an impediment to business itself. Hon. Speaker, that is what I think is important for me to state here. The inspectors must act and use the powers given to them by law in a way that will enhance trade and business in this country. Thank you, Hon. Speaker."
}