§ 41. Sir William Davisonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction of many consumers at the serious defects in the merchandise marks law, which does not enable them in numerous cases to know that particular articles, goods, or commodities are of foreign origin and what the country of origin is; and whether legislation dealing with this matter will be introduced at an early date?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Cross)The Merchandise Marks Act contains provisions whereby interested parties may apply for an Order in Council requiring a particular class or description of imported goods to bear an indication of origin, and I have no reason to suppose that these provisions are not adequate for the purpose. As regards the form of the indication of origin where it is necessary, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which was given on 16th May to my hon. Friend the Member for West Birmingham (Mr. Higgs).
§ Sir W. DavisonDoes not the answer to which the hon. Member refers me say that inquiries were still being made from certain manufacturers, who had not replied? Does my hon. Friend not see that this is a matter in which the consumers are vitally interested, and that there ought to be no undue delay in waiting for the replies?
§ Mr. CrossThe inquiries embrace very wide terms and may include manufacturers, traders and consumers. Many manufacturers have been consulted, and some have not yet replied.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the Minister not of the opinion that the time has arrived to make a change in the Merchandise Marks Act? Is it not desirable that the people of the country should know the source of origin of the goods imported?
§ Mr. ShinwellIf representations have been made to the right hon. Gentleman, why has it not been done?