§ 36. Mr. Woodsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will institute an inclusive charge for the registration of trade names and marks, covering all the colonies, similar in amount and scope to the scheme in operation by France covering all the French colonies, instead of, or in addition to, the separate registration for each colony?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe possibility of an Empire Trade Marks scheme was raised by the Committee which was appointed by the Board of Trade in 1933 to consider and report whether any changes were desirable in the existing law and practice relating to trade marks. Its report is Cmd. 4568. I am advised that as a result of inquiries subsequently made, there did not appear to be sufficient prospect of practical support for an Imperial trade marks scheme to justify His Majesty's Government in pursuing the matter.
§ Mr. WoodsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that since this date the competition which any set of goods has to meet in the Colonies is so keen that it is driving British producers out of the colonial market?
Mr. MacDonaldI have not had representations from the interests concerned about it lately, but I am prepared to look into it again and see whether circumstances have changed since the last inquiry four years ago.