§ MR. KIMBER (Wandsworth)asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade, Whether Her Majesty's Government will accept the introduction of a Clause into the Merchandize Marks Act (1862) Amendment Bill exempting watch cases from the compulsory obligation of assay in the United Kingdom, as recommended by Mr. Prideaux, Clerk of the Goldsmiths' Company of London, in his evidence before the Select Company of Hail-Marking (1878–9); and, whether Her Majesty's Government will confer with the Goldsmiths' Company of London before proceeding with the Bill, especially with reference to the results to the watch-making industry to be expected from the passing of the measure in its present form?
§ THE SECRETARY (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)The particular question raised by the hon. Member can properly be discussed when the Bill is in Committee. I may say, however, that the Board of Trade have been, and are in communication with the Goldsmiths' Company as regards the Watch Clause of the Bill; and that, as at present advised, they do not see their way to exempting watch cases from the provisions of the law as regards hallmarking.