§ MR. MACDONA (Southwark, Rotherhithe)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the steamer Blue Bell, from Antwerp, delivered at Butler's Wharf, Southwark, S.E., on the 17th of July last, 10 "casks cement" (so called), and that each cask contained a soldered tin case with 10 revolvers in it, on which there was no mark whatever: whether the Customs Officers on finding these revolvers, as they were not marked, had to pass them; whether the 10 casks have been since shipped, said to be for Manilla, marked "La Puenta," Manilla; and whether the Government will bring in a Bill, or propose such an amendment to the Merchandise Marks Act as will protect the British wrorkman from unfair and fraudulent foreign competition?
§ * MR. MUNDELLAThe Commissioners of Customs inform me that the 1754 facts generally are as stated by the hon. Member. The pistols bore no marks rendering them inadmissible under the Merchandise Marks Acts, and on amendment of the documents of description the goods were delivered out of charge. The Customs are unable to trace the shipment of the casks. There is nothing fraudulent in the importation of unmarked pistols.
§ MR. MACDONAAnd is it not the fact that cutlery and other articles are imported in large quantities unmarked, and deprive English artisans of their means of livelihood?
§ * MR. MUNDELLAThe Act only provides that where goods are marked with the place of origin they shall be honestly marked. It is not illegal to import unmarked goods.