HC Deb 16 April 1923 vol 162 cc1651-3
18. Mr. PRINGLE

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any communication from representatives of any of the Colonies, and, if so, which, expressing views unfavourable to the proposals relating to the marking of eggs or any other commodities included in the Merchandise Marks Bill?

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is it not. a mistake on the part of the hon. Member to have omitted the word "Dominions "? Should it not say "representations from any of the Dominions and Colonies "?

Mr. PRINGLE

I am sorry for the omission.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

The answer is in the negative, so far as the principle of the Bill is concerned, as regards both the Dominions and the Colonies, but representations suggesting modifications in the proposed method of marking certain imported foodstuffs have been made on behalf of some of the self-governing Dominions, and are under consideration

Mr. PRINGLE

Should not the House be made acquainted immediately representations are made while the Bill is under discussion?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I do not think that that necessarily follows.

Mr. PRINGLE

In view of the importance of the House being made acquainted with the views of the Colonies, will the hon. Gentleman not reconsider the decision?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

These are representations of one Government to another Government. Any recommendations which are considered desirable will be stated by the Minister representing the Government on the Committee stage of the Bill.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is it not the case that when representations affecting legislation are made between one Government and another within the Empire, the legislature affected should be acquainted with these representations? [HON. MEMBERS: "Agreed! "]

31. Mr. PRINGLE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any communication from representatives in this country of any foreign Government, and, if so, which, expressing views unfavourable to the proposals relating to the marking of eggs or any other commodities included in the Merchandise Marks Bill?

Mr. McNEILL

Communications of the nature indicated by the hon. Member have been received from the French, Netherlands and Lithuanian representatives in this country.