§ SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if, having regard to the injury done to British trade in the opinion of the Chamber of Commerce of Liverpool and other bodies by the use of the words "Made in Germany" upon imported goods, in accordance with the regulations under the 16th Section of The Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, and in view of the Report of the Select Committee of 1897 that the object would be substantially gained and British trade enterprise improved by substituting for the specification of the country of origin the words "Made Abroad," he will direct the regulations to be amended in this sense.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.I am advised that I have no power to amend the regulation I in the sense desired, as statutory authority would be required to do so.
§ SIR HOWARD VINCENTWill my right hon. friend introduce a Bill for that purpose?
§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI do not think there is any need for me to introduce a Bill; the Board of Trade should do it.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESWill facilities be given for a Bill introduced by the hon. Member himself in order to repeal the Act.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThat rests with the Leader of the House.
§ MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)Were these words not purposely inserted in the Merchandise Marks Act?
§ SIR HOWARD VINCENTNot by me.