HC Deb 02 May 1893 vol 11 c1730
COLONEL HOWARD VINCENT

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade how many prosecutions have been undertaken by the Board of Trade for offences against the Merchandise Marks Act, and with what results; and if the Board employs any Inspectors for the enforcement of the Act?

MR. MUNDELLA

There have been nine prosecutions, four of which resulted in a conviction, three were dismissed, and two withdrawn, and others are under consideration. No Inspectors are employed, and none were ever contemplated under the Act.

SIR J. WHITEHEAD (Leicester)

May I ask whether, looking at the great inconvenience caused to traders by the way in which they are harassed by this Act and its absolute uselessness, he will consider——

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! There are a good many assumptions in that question.