§ 14. Captain STRICKLANDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that sporting cartridge cases are being imported into this country, bearing no indication either on the cartons or on the cases that they are of foreign manufacture; and whether, as this is in accordance with existing regulations of the Merchandise Marks Act, he contemplates any alteration to protect the purchasers from the belief that they are buying British-made goods?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am, however, advised that so far as concerns the cartridges which my hon. and gallant Friend has sent to me there is no obligation to give an indication of the origin of the cases. In reply to the last part of the question, it is open to the manufacturers in this country to make an application under the Merchandise Marks Acts for a Marking Order in respect of cartridge cases.
§ Captain STRICKLANDIs my right hon. Friend not aware that there are only two firms now concerned with these cases, and that one of these firms is importing them?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIt is always open to firms to make an application.
§ Captain STRICKLANDIs it not a fact that you must have a majority of manufacturers before you can get an order?