Weights and Measures The primary duty of the Weights and Measures department was to supervise and control the maintenance of accuracy of all weighing equipment in use for trade. To this end a systematic and constant comparison of traders weights and measures and testing of weighing and measuring instruments was undertaken. The act of 1878 consolidated all previous weights and measures legislation and provided a foundation for national uniformity in weights and measures. It is one of the oldest services provided by local authorities. Weights and measures have been subject to control in this country since at least Saxon times, King Edgar 959-975 issued one of the earliest decrees on the subject. Although they still enforce a wide range of weights and measures law many new pieces of legislation are now of equal importance. The "weights and measures" act, 1824, established the 'Imperial' system of weights and measures. The act came into force in 1826. The Weights and Measure department reported to the Watch Committee. Minutes of the Weights and Measures committee [presumably a Watch sub-committee] survive from 1908-1969 (see MD.NC/275/8-27 for 1908-1963; MD/NC/133/14 for 7 June - 6 September 1963; MD.NC/274/26-27 for 1963-1969). In 1969 the Watch committee was discontinued with the creation of the Northumbria Police Authority, but the City remained responsible for Weights and Measures. In 1974, the City transferred the weights and measures function to the newly-created Tyne and Wear County Council. Further local government reorganisation in 1986 abolished Tyne and Wear County Council and transferred its functions back to the Metropolitan Districts. Newcastle City therefore regained the responsibilities for consumer affairs which it had lost in 1974.