HC Deb 30 April 1891 vol 352 cc1771-2
MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether his attention has been called to a Report by the United States' Consul Reid, of Dublin, published in the Grocer of the 11th April, in which it is stated that— One of the chief pork-packing concerns in Limerick buys great quantities of American hams in the cured state, smokes them, and im-pres3ess its own brand upon them, and sells them at a price a trifle below what it asks for its own goods; whether impressing an Irish brand on American hams is an infringement of the Merchandise Marks Act; and if, in the interest of the Irish trade, he will cause inquiry to be made as to whether any such practice, as alleged, is carried on?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN,) Dublin University

My attention has been called, by the question, to the allegations made by the Paper referred to, and I am informed that they have been flatly contradicted by the Limerick firm referred to. I am having a careful inquiry made.

MR. T. M. HEALY

AS this is a matter of great importance, and as many large merchants are interested in it, may I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman to address a communication to the American Minister, requesting to name the particular house against which the charges are made?

MR. MADDEN

The right hon. and learned Gentleman must be aware that such an inquiry is beyond my province. All I can say is, that as these statements have been made they will be carefully inquired into.

MR. T. M. HEALY

When will the right hon. and learned Gentleman be in a position to answer a further question?

MR. MADDEN

On Monday.