§ SIR J. LENG (Dundee)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will explain in what way the 4th paragraph of the final Protocol to the International Convention between Her Majesty's Government and the United States, for the reciprocal protection of trade marks, has become inoperative; and whether anything is proposed to be done to give effect to the intention of the parties to the Convention?
§ "THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. MUNDELLA,) Sheffield, BrightsideThe paragraph referred to is by no means inoperative, but it is not fully effective as regards certain American marks, such as words having reference to the character or quality of goods, or geographical names; these are not at present within the scope of our law. Her Majesty's Government are in communication with the United States Government upon the subject, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement as to future action.