HC Deb 25 March 1907 vol 171 c1465
MR. TILLETT (Norwich)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the officials at British Embassies in Continental countries are directed to give practical assistance to English traders whose trade marks or trade names have been counterfeited; and whether, in the event of English traders having to take either criminal or civil proceedings against counterfeiters in Continental countries, they can rely on receiving all possible assistance from the Embassies.

(Answered by Secretary Sir Edward Grey.) It is the duty of His Majesty's representatives abroad to render such assistance to all British traders as is proper and desirable in each individual case as it arises. With regard to the second part of the Question, I am not quite clear as to what sort of assistance is meant. It is obvious that His Majesty's representatives cannot interfere in legal proceedings pending before foreign courts unless it has appeared that a denial of justice has taken place; and that they cannot take the place of legal advisers.