HC Deb 08 August 1890 vol 348 cc266-7
MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ire- land, with reference to "The Merchandise Marks Act, 1887," whether his attention has been called to the reports of the proceedings at a meeting of the Provisions Curers' Association of Ulster, held at Belfast on 25th July, when it was resolved that— Special legislation is needed to protect the Irish lard trade, which has been practically undermined by the system of shipping 'American lard refined in Belfast,' branded as 'Pure Bladdered Lard, Belfast,' and also that, for the efficient working of the above Act as a protection to the public, It is essential to appoint a Public Prosecutor and Inspector to carry out its provisions; and whether, considering the very influential and representative character of the meeting referred to, and the importance to the public in being supplied with lard in its pure state when they ask for it under that name, he will consider what steps can be taken in the direction pointed out by the resolutions adopted at said meeting?

MR. MADDEN

I shall be very glad to consider the matter, and will make inquiries.

MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

Something more than that seems to be necessary. Those engaged in this industry say in their resolution that "it is essential to appoint a Public Prosecutor and Inspector to carry out the provisions of the Act." Do the Government support them in that view?

MR. MADDEN

I have already said that the matter will receive full consideration.