§ 2. Sir S. ROBERTSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the desirability of introducing general legislation enabling cities and towns, through their local authorities, to exercise some jurisdiction over the use of the name of a particular city or town, and so prevent the user of such name by mushroom traders, leading persons to believe that the concern is one of enormous importance; and will he receive a deputation from the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce to lay the facts more fully before him?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Robert Horne)The bond fide use by a trader of the name of his place of business is recognised by Section 44 of the Trade Marks Act, and there would, I think, be considerable objection to any undue restriction of such a right. I understand that the proposal of my hon. Friend was submitted to, but it was not recommended by, the Merchandise Marks Committee. In these circumstances I do not think that I could usefully receive a deputation on the subject.
§ Sir S. ROBERTSAs this is a matter of great importance to large cities, will my right hon. Friend not be prepared to receive either a small deputation or a written statement?
§ Sir R. HORNEI shall, of course, be very glad to do anything to facilitate the matter as far as my hon. Friend is concerned, but I think, in the first place, his constituents might put before me a written communication on the subject, and then I will consider whether a deputation could do any good.
§ Mr. A. SHORTWhy does the right hon. Gentleman refuse to receive a deputation of so important a character as this?
§ Sir R. HORNEI do not refuse to receive a deputation. All I have said is that I do not think in the meantime a deputation would further the matter at all, but I shall understand after a written communication has been made.