HC Deb 21 July 1926 vol 198 cc1209-11
27. Mr. BOOTHBY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the possibility of introducing legislation to compel all butchers registering as such and selling imported mutton and beef to deliver this meat wrapped in paper indicating that it is imported?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)

The proposals of the Government respecting the marking of imported goods are embodied in the Merchandise Marks (Imported Goods) Bill now before Parliament. I do not propose to introduce any special legislation in regard to mutton and beef.

Mr. BOOTHBY

Is it not the fact, as stated by the Commission, that a great deal of the meat which is sold at the present time as home-grown is in fact imported from abroad, and will he stop that?

Captain BRASS

Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider the advisability of having different coloured papers for the different kinds of meat from foreign countries.

Sir B. CHADWICK

There is a good deal of variety dealt with under the Merchandise Marks Bill as imported goods, and I think the answer to both supplementary questions is that it is generally considered that the terms of that Measure are sufficient to protect the interests of the public in this matter of imported meat.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that certain butchers in the country are prepared voluntarily to carry out this work, but the Government action in increasing the price of paper has made it prohibitive?

30. SHEPHERD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called in connection with the Merchandise Marks (Imported Goods) Bill, to the fact that any restrictions involving Customs delays will cause the rapid deterioration of consignments of soft fruits, will increase the percentage of waste, lower the quality, and add to the expense; and what steps he proposes to take to meet these difficulties?

Sir B. CHADWICK

Representations have reached me to this effect. It is the intention of the Government to await the Report of the Committee which is to be set up under the Bill on any application that may be referred to them, before deciding what course to pursue. In view however, of the experience which the Customs have had in dealing with importations of perishable goods bearing marks contravening the existing Merchandise Marks Acts, there is no reason to apprehend that any delay resulting from the detention of such goods under the projected legislation will be such as to involve deterioration.

32. Miss LAWRENCE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received representations from the National Federation of Fruit and Potato Traders' Association pointing out that any attempt to enforce the marking of produce before and after importation will be detrimental to the interests of the British consumer, and objecting to being handed over to the jurisdiction of a Committee nominated by the Minister of Agriculture; and what reply he has returned?

Sir B. CHADWICK

I have received from the Federation a resolution to the effect indicated. I may remind the hon. Member that these questions have been fully discussed in Standing Committee.