HC Deb 22 April 1931 vol 251 cc954-5
3. Mr. FREEMAN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider the desirability of recommending to the League of Nations the establishment of an international mark, similar to the national mark now in use in this country, to be given to those goods or articles which are able to satisfy a minimum standard of purity, production, etc., according to the requirements of each commodity?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Shinwell)

I have been asked to reply. The question of the means at the disposal of foreign buyers to enable them to ascertain the quality of goods has already been considered by the Economic and Financial Section of the League of Nations, who have published a survey of the measures bearing on this subject which exist in a considerable number of countries. This was in their view the most useful step they could take. I doubt whether the time is ripe for the institution of an international mark of quality.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Why is the time not ripe?

Mr. FREEMAN

Will the hon. Member consider the desirability of bringing this matter before the International Labour Office and ask them to institute a further inquiry?

Mr. SHINWELL

The hon. Member will find that I have replied to that point in my answer.

Mr. SMITHERS

Will the hon. Member use his influence to bring these recommendations to the notice of the Soviet Government of Russia?

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