§ 28. Mr. HAMILTON KERRasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that packets of tea are still being sold in 197 this country bearing labels calculated to lead consumers to believe that the contents are of Empire origin, whereas in reality they consist partly of foreign-grown teas; and whether, in view of the fact that no action can be taken to deal with this matter under the Merchandise Marks Act, he will take steps to amend that Act at an early date, in order to enable action to be taken in this and similar cases?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI do not know what particular cases my hon. Friend may have in mind. I may say, however, that, while the Standing Committee under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, found that the difficulties in the way of marking blended tea are so serious that they could not recommend the making of an Order, the use of misleading descriptions may constitute an offence under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, which prohibits the application to goods of a false trade description. It is open to any interested party to prosecute in respect of any such breach of the Act.
§ Mr. HANNONIs it not of great importance to give consideration to Empire-produced tea in this country, as against tea produced in foreign countries?