HC Deb 20 May 1930 vol 239 cc188-9
4. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKING

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of applications received by the Board of Trade for an inquiry under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, since 1st June, 1929; the number of such applications referred to the Standing Committee under Section 2, Sub-section (1), of the Act; the number recommended by the Standing Committee for inclusion within the terms of the Act; and the number of Orders in Council actually made?

Mr. GRAHAM

Nine applications for an inquiry under the Merchanise Marks Act, 1926, have been received by the Board of Trade since 1st June, 1929, seven of which have been made since the beginning of the present year. Six of these applications have been referred to the Standing Committee set up under the Act, and the remaining three are under consideration by the Department. The committee have held inquiries into two of these applications. In one case they have recommended a Marking Order, and in the other their report has not yet been received. No Orders in Council have yet been made in respect of any applications received since 1st June, 1929

Mr. HACKING

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of setting up another committee?

Mr. GRAHAM

No. I think since 1st June last year they have made in all about 17 reports. That is one every three weeks. Probably that is just about as fast as they can go.

Mr. HACKING

Is it not desirable to set up another committee if the work which they are doing is too much for them?

Mr. GRAHAM

At the moment, I am not satisfied that it is. Of course, if there were delay, that is a point that I should consider.