HC Deb 29 March 1920 vol 127 cc851-3
11. Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government have ordered the prohibition of the restriction of imports of electric light bulbs from Holland; if so, is the Order specially directed to a new form of half-watt bulb; was the Order made at the request of a deputation of British manufacturers of electric bulbs; and under what authority was the Order made?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

There are no restrictions on the importation of electric light bulbs from any source.

17. Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that German clocks are being imported into this country in large numbers which are not marked. Made in Germany, and that a Departmental Committee is now considering in what respects the Merchandise Marks Act may be amended so as to indicate the country of origin, steps may be taken to prohibit the importation of these goods until such legislation is passed, in view of the grave detriment to manufacturers in this country?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Having regard to the recent decision of Mr. Justice Sankey as to the legality of prohibitions of importation under the Customs Consolidation Act, 1876, I am advised that new statutory powers would be required before effect could be given to the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend. I am not prepared, pending the receipt of the Report of the Merchandise Marks Committee, to introduce legislation for modifying the existing laws relating to the marking of imported goods.

Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

Can my right hon. Friend say whether some steps cannot be taken to check the importation of these goods from Germany, which are in a great many cases camouflaged as English goods by being marked "Westminster Chimes," and so on?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Yes, we hope we shall be able to do it, but we think we must wait for the Report of the Committee on Merchandise Marks, so as to do it comprehensively.

Mr. G. TERRELL

When does the hon. Gentleman think it will be possible to produce the Anti-Dumping Bill, which will deal with this?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

My hon. Friend must ask the Leader of the House.

Mr. TERRELL

May I ask if this Bill is in draft?