HC Deb 10 July 1935 vol 304 cc318-9
37. Sir C. RAWSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many cartridge cases have been imported into this country during the pat 12 months without the country of origin being marked upon them; whether he is aware that a firm of manufacturers of cartridge cases in this country are denied the right to state their case for a marking order under the Merchandise Marks Act because the regulations provide that a majority of manufacturers must apply; and, as there are only two manufacturers in this country, one of whom will not apply, can some modification of the rules be made to protect this British industry against such competition?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)

The information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. As regards the rest of the question, Marking Orders can only be made under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, after the various conditions laid down in that Act have been complied with; I am sending my hon. Friend a summary of these conditions. The Board of Trade cannot make a reference to the Committee on the application before them since in their opinion it does not substantially represent the interests of the manufacturers of these goods.

Sir C. RAWSON

Is there any machinery to deal with this "fifty-fifty" question, one half being in favour of applying for an order and the other half against?

Dr. BURGIN

I think, if the hon. Member looks a little further into the question, he will find that it is not a "fifty-fifty" matter, but that one maker is in favour of an order and the rest are against it.

Sir C. RAWSON

Is it not a case of one being in favour and one against?

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND - TROYTE

Should it not be obvious from the printing on the cartridge cases whether they are imported or not, and has the Board of Trade taken any action to deal with cases which are not marked with the country of origin?

Dr. BURGIN

That is another matter. I do not think there is any question of the Board of Trade not being willing to prosecute where a breach of the law is brought to its notice, but the question on the Paper relates to the subject of a marking order.