HC Deb 06 November 1934 vol 293 c803
20. Mr. REMER

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that large quantities of Japanese silk goods imported during the current year are closely copied from Macclesfield designs in the fully manufactured state; and that these products, such as ladies' silk handkerchiefs, are sold at approximately half the cost price of Macclesfield products; and whether he will state the policy of the Government in this matter?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

With regard to the protection of registered designs, I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Accrington (Major Procter) on 14th November, 1933. The duties on silk and artificial silk were revised as recently as July last on the recommendation of the Import Duties Advisory Committee after a full and careful review of the situation.

Mr. REMER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that revision had no reference whatever to Japanese competition, and that the Committee said so?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

It is bound to have some relation to competition from any part of the world.

Mr. REMER

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the samples which I sent to the Board of Trade as recently as Friday last and which show the terrible state of this trade at the present time?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am glad to have any samples which my hon. Friend cares to send to the Board of Trade, so long as they are within our individual capacity. As I pointed out, none of the articles sent are necessarily affected by the answer I have given.

Major PROCTER

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the confiscation of the pirated design goods at the port of entry?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The penalty for that sort of deception must be the penalty provided by the law.