HC Deb 28 February 1888 vol 322 cc1642-3
MR. DIXON-HARTLAND (Middlesex, Uxbridge)

asked the President of the Board of Trade, If under the Merchandise Marks Bill it is permitted to import goods with only numbers and letters on the boxes and labels, or would it be an infringement of the Act to add the words yards or dozens after the goods are warehoused for the purposes of sale? The hon. Gentleman also asked, If under the Merchandise Marks Bill it will be sufficient to have the words "Foreign make" plainly marked on such goods as ribbons, gloves, hosiery, and other textile fabrics, without mentioning the particular country of manufacture?

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON)(who replied) (Leeds, N.)

said: Under the Merchandise Marks Act there would be no objection to the importation of goods with only numbers and letters on the boxes and labels. Hon. Members will not expect me to express any opinion as to the legality or otherwise of anything that may be done to the goods after they have passed beyond the control of the Customs Authorities. The words "foreign make," though not quite clear, would suffice to pass goods unless they bear the mark of a manufacturer or dealer in this country, in which case the Act requires a direct indication of the country of origin, though I prefer the words "made abroad."