§ 2. Sir J. D. REESasked whether the Government has information to the effect that a Bill will be introduced into the United States Congress to afford greater 388 protection to original designs in manufacturing; whether piracy of textile designs has been long rife in the United States and reduced to a regular trade; and whether British Consular officers in the United States have been instructed to give their support to the above-mentioned Bill in the interests of British textile industries?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. Grey)I have seen statements in the Press to the effect that a Bill dealing with designs may be introduced into the United States Congress, but I have no official information on the subject. His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington will be instructed to furnish a report on the subject and to forward a copy of any Bill dealing with the matter which may be introduced. The provisions of the Bill, when received, will be carefully considered, with a view to seeing whether they are such as would render desirable any communication to the United States Government.