HC Deb 29 September 1931 vol 257 cc184-5
10. Major BRAITHWAITE

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in the national emergency, he will consider making an order for all retailers to mark clearly on the outside any foreign goods stating that they are imported, and the date of their importation, in order to encourage the buying of home-produced goods by the public?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

There is no power under existing legislation to make a general order of this nature. Under the Merchandise Marks Acts numerous classes and descriptions of imported goods, including many articles in common use already have to bear an indication of their origin on sale or exposure for sale and this together with the widespread practice of marking British products as such, as for example, in the case of foodstuffs, with the national mark, must assist purchasers in exercising their preference for them.

Major BRAITHWAITE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that foreign goods are often marked in the most obscure places, and the public cannot possibly determine by looking at things in a shop window whether they are of British or foreign extraction? Can he not make some revision of it so that people can see what they are buying?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I am not sure that I can accept that. The Act lays down that goods have to be marked in a way that is clear. Every order that has been made has been carefully considered by the Committee in order to see that the marking is clear, and all these orders have, in fact, been before the House.

Mr. MILLS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these goods are only marked on the boxes that bring them in and, in view of the absolute necessity that election eggs should be fresh, will he see that they are properly stamped?

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that is is very difficult to get convictions under the Act? I am thinking particularly of the words "or otherwise acted innocently."

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I do not think so. After all, the great thing is that you should get the marking done under the order and most people, once the law is in force, if it command common assent, abide by it.