HC Deb 29 May 1911 vol 26 c690
Mr. BARNES

asked the Lord Advocate if Messrs. Singers, of Clydebank, are importing sewing machine parts from America and selling machines including such parts as British-made goods; and will he consider the advisability of amendment of the Merchandise Marks Act to stop such a practice?

Mr. BUXTON

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I would point out to my hon. Friend that under the Merchandise Marks Act a false trade description means a trade descriptions which is false in a material respect as regards the goods to which it is applied. If my hon. Friend will furnish me with specific details of the practice to which he refers I shall be prepared to consider them from this point of view, but as at present advised I am not proposing to amend the Act.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman would not also consider the advisability of putting a 20 per cent. duty on these machines?

Mr. BUXTON

I said I was not proposing to amend the Act at present?

Mr. BARNES

asked the Lord Advocate if Messrs. Singers, Clydebank, are discharging workpeople in consequence of such workpeople having taken part in a trade dispute; and, if so, will he consider the advisability of taking steps by legislation, or otherwise, to prevent workpeople being discharged for such reasons?

Mr. BUXTON

My attention has been called to a newspaper paragraph relating to this case. As at present advised, I do not see how the Board of Trade could usefully intervene?

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

May I ask whether the President of the Board of Trade could not send an officer down to inquire into the facts of the case?

Mr. BUXTON

I could not undertake to do that without some request on the part of those interested. I am watching the matter.