§ MR. MUNDELLA (Sheffield, Brightside)asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether he is using, and will continue to use, his influence with his Colleagues in the India Office, Foreign Office, and Colonial Office to secure the adoption of the principle of the Merchandize Marks Act in our Colonies and Dependencies, and in all foreign countries which have become parties to the Convention of Rome; and, whether he can report any satisfactory progress in this direction?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)I am doing everything in my power in accordance with the wishes of the right hon. Gentleman. We have no progress to report with regard to foreign countries. With regard to India, I think my hon. Friend the Under Secretary of State for India has already informed the House 1247 that the Local Governments and Councils have been communicated with on the subject, and that a Bill, which is now before the Legislative Council in India, will pave the way for further legislation. A further despatch on the matter is going out to-day. With regard to the Colonies, in nine legislation has been already passed; in one it is proceeding; in 16 it is promised; and from seven no replies have been received; while in six of no great importance legislation is considered unnecessary.
§ MR. MUNDELLAremarked, that with respect to India there was abundant evidence that falsely-marked merchandize had been shipped to a considerable extent in foreign bottoms.