HC Deb 05 July 1951 vol 489 c2485
37. Mr. Edward Davies

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has taken to stop unfair trade practices among Japanese manufacturers and exporters, in respect of home pottery production and marketing.

The Secretary for Overseas Trade (Mr. Bottomley)

As my hon. Friend was informed in reply to his Questions on 23rd November and 27th February last, there is now legal protection in Japan against misuse or copying of designs and trade marks, and in one case the Japanese firm has already stopped making the goods in question. The investigations into another case, referred to in the reply of 27th February, have now been settled satisfactorily. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary wrote to my hon. Friend about this on 23rd May.

Mr. Davies

Is my hon. Friend aware that I received a reply from the Board of Trade on 23rd May saying that the matter was being followed up with the Japanese Minister of Trade and Industry? Is he in a position to give me any further information about that?

Mr. Bottomley

I thought that the latter part of my answer gave the necessary information.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Is the Minister aware that pirated designs for textiles in considerable number are exported to markets that Britain has been fulfilling? Will he take this matter up very vigorously?

Mr. Bottomley

Yes, Sir.