HC Deb 21 June 1922 vol 155 c1314
70. Colonel Sir C. YATE

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he, is aware that it was admitted in evidence before the Royal Commission by representatives of the National Federation of Meat Traders that beef killed in Holland or Denmark is sold in Smithfield as home killed; and, if so, are any steps being taken to put a stop to this?

Major BARNSTON

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative in answer to the second part, it is an offence under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, to apply to any merchandise a trade description which is false within the meaning of that Act, and offenders can be prosecuted by any persons interested. If sufficient evidence of a specific offence were brought under the notice of the Ministry of Agriculture, it would institute proceedings under the Merchandise Marks (Prosecutions) Act, 1894.