HC Deb 05 May 1953 vol 515 cc184-5
15. Miss Burton

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many prosecutions his Department has undertaken since August, 1938, under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, in respect of false trade descriptions as to material content of consumer goods, including the advertising of such goods to which false trade descriptions had been applied.

Mr. H. Strauss

Six, Sir.

Miss Burton

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this very low number will have an important bearing on discussion of the Merchandise Marks Bill and that the trade associations are worried at the attitude of the Government towards prosecution under this head?

Mr.Strauss

I do not think so. There has been no change in policy under Her Majesty's present administration. The same policy has been adopted over a long period and some guidance as to policy is indeed laid down in the statutes. I would remind the hon. Lady that the fact that only this number of prosecutions has been conducted by the Board of Trade does not mean that a much greater number of prosecutions has not taken place.

Mr. Nabarro

Will my hon. and learned Friend resist all blandishments from "meddlesome matties," wherever they be, to interfere with the normal process of British industry and commerce?

Mr. Swingler

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman tell us what has happened to the Merchandise Marks Bill?

Mr. Strauss

That is an entirely different question. It was passed in another place and it is due to be introduced in this House.