§ 35. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that no disclosure has to be made to the public if British or Dominion butter is blended with Russian or other foreign butter; and whether, in the legislation which he has promised to introduce in the immediate future, the vendor of any British or Dominion butter which is blended with Russian or other foreign butter will be required to disclose this fact to the public as well as the country of origin of any unblended foreign supplies, so that consumers may know what kind of butter they are purchasing?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The two points raised in the second part would appear to be met in the draft Order-in-Council under the provisions of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, recently laid before Parliament and of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.
§ Sir W. DAVISONDo I understand that the Order-in-Council is operating? Is it not difficult for the public to respond to the appeal to Buy British When they do not know whether the butter is British or not?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe Order is not yet operative. Under the Act it has to lie before Parliament for a certain time.
§ Sir W. DAVISONCan the right hon. Gentleman say when it will come into operation?
§ Sir J. GILMOUROwing to the election intervening, I am afraid it cannot now come into operation until May.