HC Deb 30 October 1952 vol 505 c2096
31. Mr. Odey

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to protect the public from the purchase of articles made of substitute materials which are erroneously described as being made of leather.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Protection is given by the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887. It is an offence under that Act to apply to goods a false description as to the material of which they are composed or to sell goods to which such false description is applied.

Mr. Odey

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I point out to him—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]—that there are difficulties in the application of that protection, and would he bear in mind—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]—that there is a need——

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman should ask whether the President of the Board of Trade will bear something in mind. That is a question.

Mr. Odey

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is a need to protect the general public from cheaper materials which, in the case of certain materials, are frequently injurious to health?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The public are protected in this particular matter by the Merchandise Marks Act, and if an offence has been committed a prosecution can be started.