§ 15. Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has had the opportunity of inspecting a sample of the crude medals imported into this country from foreign countries for sale in connection with the celebration of His Majesty's Silver Jubilee; and whether any measures will be immediately adopted to prevent these misrepresentations of Their Majesties being put into circulation during the forthcoming period of national rejoicing?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThere is no power under the existing law to take the action suggested with regard to the articles of which my hon. Friend has sent to me a specimen.
§ Mr. HANNONHas the right hon. Gentleman examined these specimens; and does he not think that it is a wholly discreditable thing that our people should be asked to honour Their Majesties on this occasion by wearing such medals?
§ Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the manufacturers in the city of Birmingham are in a position to make all the medals that are required?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have no doubt that that is so, and I hope that those who purchase medals will see to it that they purchase and wear the products of British industry.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIf this accusation is correct, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ascertain who are importing these medals?
§ 16. Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that in the case of medals, badges and other foreign articles imported into this country for sale during the period of celebration of His Majesty's Silver Jubilee there is no indication of the country of origin; and whether any action is contemplated to compel importers of these articles to comply with the law?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANMany classes of imported goods are required to bear an indication of origin by virtue of the provisions of the Merchandise Marks Acts or Orders in Council made thereunder. No, such Order has been applied for with regard to medals and badges. Consequently, imported medals and badges are only required to bear an indication of origin if they have applied to them any name or trade mark being or purporting to be the name or trade mark of any manufacturer, dealer, or trader, or the name of any place or district in the United Kingdom, or if they bear any trade description which is calculated to mislead as to the origin of the goods. As regards the last part of the question, I shall be happy to look into any case where the existing law is not being complied with if my hon. Friend will give me the necessary information.
§ Mr. HANNONIs the House to understand that articles of this shoddy character can come into this country, for the purpose for which these medals are being imported, without any indication of the country of origin unless those steps are taken here?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEWould the right hon. Gentleman consider imposing a prohibitive tariff on these things?