Merchandise Marks Act.

Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce. – in the House of Commons am ar 4 Gorffennaf 1939.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr David Kirkwood Mr David Kirkwood , Dumbarton District of Burghs

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now completed his inquiries into the possibility of marking imported goods with the name of the country of origin and with what result; and in view of the large imports of drapery, clothing, foodstuffs and toys from Japan, will be come to an immediate decision and take the appropriate action?

Photo of Hon. Oliver Stanley Hon. Oliver Stanley , Westmorland

As the hon. Member is aware, the views of the commercial, industrial and agricultural interests affected have been obtained on the representations made to me that the existing option to mark goods which require an indication of origin under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, with the word "Foreign" or "Empire," as the case may be, instead of with a definite indication of the country of origin should be withdrawn. It is clear that there is still considerable divergence of opinion on the subject amongst interested parties, but, nevertheless, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and I have reached the conclusion that there are sufficient grounds in principle for removing the option to use the word "Foreign" or "Empire." Traders in this country have stocks which have been marked in accordance with the existing law and the change must be made in such a way as to avoid loss or undue inconvenience to them. The practical difficulties that arise are now being studied.

Photo of Mr William Thorne Mr William Thorne , West Ham Plaistow

Is it not the case that the reason some of these traders do not want to do away with this is that they would be ashamed to sell the goods if it were known?

Mr. Johnston:

With regard to the existing stocks, before the forthcoming legislation, can the right hon. Gentleman take any steps to deal with firms which have the same labels both for foreign and Empire produce and simply cover over one or other word according to the customers?

Photo of Hon. Oliver Stanley Hon. Oliver Stanley , Westmorland

If the right hon. Gentleman knows of a case where Empire labels are being applied to foreign goods, and will bring it to my notice, certainly I will deal with it.

Mr. Johnston:

If I give the right hon. Gentleman a can of Japanese salmon, which I have in the House, on the label of which there are both words, "Empire" and "Foreign," and the word "Foreign" or "Empire," as the case may be, can be plastered over, will he instruct the Law Officers of the Crown to take action?

Photo of Hon. Oliver Stanley Hon. Oliver Stanley , Westmorland

The right hon. Gentleman will also have to give me the name of the place from which this was bought and evidence that, in fact, the label "Empire" had been applied to a tin of Japanese goods.

Photo of Mr William Gallacher Mr William Gallacher , Fife Western

Will the right hon. Gentleman read the "Daily Worker" today, where he will see information about a case of this sort?

Photo of Hon. Oliver Stanley Hon. Oliver Stanley , Westmorland

I am afraid that, like the soldier, the "Daily Worker" is not evidence.

Mr. Johnston:

If I give the right hon. Gentleman a label with both words on it, will he not see for himself that this is intended to prejudice the purchaser?

Photo of Hon. Oliver Stanley Hon. Oliver Stanley , Westmorland

That may well be, but unless the right hon. Gentleman can give me some indication as to who used the label and where the salmon came from, obviously I cannot take any legal steps against those responsible.

Photo of Mr David Kirkwood Mr David Kirkwood , Dumbarton District of Burghs

If I place in the hands of the Minister evidence on this matter, will he take the matter up more seriously than he has done up to this stage?

Photo of Hon. Oliver Stanley Hon. Oliver Stanley , Westmorland

It is not true that I have not taken it seriously. What I said was that if any hon. Member would give me evidence of an actual breach of the law, I would deal with it.

Photo of Mr Robin Turton Mr Robin Turton , Thirsk and Malton

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the imports into this country from Japan are marked with the name of the country of origin?

Photo of Hon. Oliver Stanley Hon. Oliver Stanley , Westmorland

I regret that the information for which my hon. Friend asks is not available.

Photo of Mr Robin Turton Mr Robin Turton , Thirsk and Malton

Can my right hon. Friend say from what date the decision that all goods should be marked with the country of origin will operate?

Photo of Hon. Oliver Stanley Hon. Oliver Stanley , Westmorland

No, Sir. It will, of course, require a change in the existing law.