§ 10. Mrs. Castleasked the President of the Board of Trade how many prosecutions have been made by his Department under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1953, for violations of the Wool Glossary.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Peter Thorneycroft)None, Sir. I should, I think, explain that the definitions in the Wool Glossary are not statutory; but, if they are wrongly applied, that may constitute an infringement of the Merchandise Marks Acts.
§ Mrs. CastleWhile I appreciate that the resignation of the Government is imminent, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, before he surrenders his seal of office, he can say what advice should be given to housewives so that they can enforce the correct descriptions of wool content cloth given in the Glossary?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe advice that should be given is that the interpretation of the law is a matter for the courts and not for me.