§ 38. Mr. Richard Woodasked the President of the Board of Trade in what circumstances his regulations permit the stamping on crockery of distinctive initials.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThe markings of crockery with distinctive initials is not generally permitted. Exceptionally, it has been allowed under licence for supplies for British Railways and the Port of London Authority because the risks of pilfering are so high. It is doubtful whether their catering services could be continued without markings on their crockery.
§ Mr. WoodIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are risks of pilfering in other spheres besides British Railways and the Port of London Authority; and is he also aware that British Railways have gone a great deal further in many cases by stamping crockery, and that beautiful flowers now decorate some of their crockery?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI am anxious not to extend this provision more widely, as it does have an effect on the use of manpower and on exports.