HC Deb 13 May 1952 vol 500 cc1113-5

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:

81. Mr. LEWIS,—To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Coronation medals, badges and brooches, made in Germany and Japan, of metals not permitted to be so used in Britain, are being distributed in this country; and what steps he is taking to protect British traders from such foreign competition.

Mr. Lewis

On a point of order. May I with respect, Mr. Speaker, ask you for your help, advice, and, I hope, guidance? It is with regard to Question No. 81. I put this Question down in the hope that it might have had an oral reply today. As I saw that it would not be reached, and in view of the fact that this has a bearing on the British Industries Fair now taking place in Birmingham, and which is due to end on Friday, and in view of the fact that there are now circulating these various medallions in what, I believe, is an infringement of the Royal Copyright, I tried to get the President of the Board of Trade to agree to see whether he could get your permission, Mr. Speaker, to answer it by a statement. What I should like to know is this: By what means and what method can we raise this matter, which is of national importance? Is there any method by which we can get this Question answered in the House?

Mr. Speaker

I am afraid that the only occasion which normally presents itself for a matter of that kind is the Adjournment of the House.

Mr. Percy Shurmer

Further to that point of order. In view of the ever-increasing unemployment in the jewellery industry in Birmingham, and the fact that they are now waiting for the Royal authority to carry on with their business, surely the President of the Board of Trade could have answered a question like this? Samples of these medals and brooches are coming into this country, and all this is preventing the Birmingham jewellers and the jewellery industry generally from carrying on their work.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman will, no doubt, receive a written answer to his Question either tonight or tomorrow morning, then he can consider the matter further.