HC Deb 20 June 1906 vol 159 c172
MR. SEDDON (Lancashire, Newton)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the evasion of the Merchandise Marks Act by the importation of parts of watches which do not bear the mark of the country of origin; and whether he can apply the Act to the goods stated.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE,) Carnarvon Boroughs

I am aware of the importations referred to, but the Merchandise Marks Act, while prohibiting the application of false trade descriptions, nowhere prescribes the marking of all foreign made goods imported. If, however, the question relates to the fraudulent sale as English of watches made up of foreign made parts, the Board of Trade had been in communication with representatives of the watch trade, and have assured them that if a specific case is submitted to them in accordance with the regulations under the Merchandise Marks Act, it will be carefully considered.

MR. PAUL (Northampton)

asked whether the Merchandise Marks Act had not served as a gratuitous advertisement for cheap foreign goods.

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

I am sorry to say I believe that has been the case up to the present moment.