HC Deb 09 June 1931 vol 253 cc796-7
65. Brigadier - General CLIFTON BROWN

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the committee set up on the marking of foreign butter has yet reported; and, if not, when is it likely to report?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Dr. Addison)

The Standing Committee has submitted its report which will be published in the course of a day or two.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Is there any need to mark foreign butter seeing that it is easily recognisable by the lepidoptera contained in it?

66. Mr. MARJORIBANKS

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is prepared to consider the extension of the provisions of the Merchandise Marks Act to foreign butter and margarine?

Dr. ADDISON

There is power under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, to make an Order in Council requiring the marking of imported goods of any class or description provided an application is made for the Order substantially representing one or more of the interests mentioned in Section 2 (3) of the Act. No such application has been made in respect of margarine. In the case of butter an application made by a number of interests has been the subject of an inquiry by the Standing Committee set up under the Act and the report of this body will be published in the course of a day or two. I am not, however, at present in a position to say what action will be taken upon it.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

May I take it that the right hon. Gentleman is sympathetic, at any rate, to the proposal contained in the question?