§ MR. M. GUESTasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether his attention has been directed to a paragraph which has lately appeared in several of the Daily Newspapers, stating that 647 pieces of antique plate, with forged Hall Marks, had been found in the possession of a collector who had purchased them at an enormous price, as genuine; whether steps will be taken, in pursuance of the Act 7 and 8 Vic. c. 22, s. 3, to enforce the penalties with regard to the seller of such plate; and, further, having regard to the enormous increase in the numbers of such frauds, whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to recommend the adoption of some more efficient means for putting a stop to such illegal practices, with a view to protecting the Revenue and the public at large?
§ LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISHThe attention of the Board of Inland Revenue was drawn some time ago to paragraphs which appeared in the daily newspapers relative to the discovery that a number of pieces of plate had been sold bearing forged hall marks, and it was found on inquiry at Goldsmiths' Hall that action was being taken in the matter. A statement has been prepared to-day, in consequence of the Question of my hon. Friend, by Mr. Prideaux, the clerk of the Goldsmiths' Company, showing the nature of the case and the 543 present state of the proceedings. In the present instance the marks purport to be of the reign of Queen Anne, which is prior to the date of the first imposition of the plate duty, and there are, consequently, no duty marks thereon. The Board of Inland Revenue would certainly deem it incumbent on them to take proceedings for the forgery of duty marks when such could be proved.
§ MR. M. GUESTasked, Whether the noble Lord would kindly put the Paper on the Table of the House?
§ LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISHI scarcely think it is of sufficient importance; but if the hon. Member moves for it I shall have no objection to place it on the Table.