HC Deb 08 April 1954 vol 526 cc503-4
5. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, on imported articles, stick-on labels which bear the name of the country of origin comply with his regulations; and whether he is satisfied that they are a proper method of indicating the manufacturers and country of origin.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Orders in Council made under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, always specify the manner in which the indication of origin should be applied. In some instances an adhesive label is allowed. The law does not require manufacturers' names to be indicated.

Mr. Smith

Does that mean that it is in order to import pottery and textiles with no stamp showing the country in which they were manufactured?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Each article of pottery has to be marked indelibly by stamping, printing, embossing or impressing.

Mr. Smith

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large quantity of pottery is being exported from Japan to the American market with different markings of origin? Will he consult the interested organisations with a view to making representations to the authorities in the United States about this?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Our legislation does not run in the United States.

6. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent under his regulations merchants and manufacturers abroad can import into this country pottery or textiles marked "Foreign," "Empire," or with the country of origin, to suit their own convenience; and whether he will amend the Merchandise Marks Acts to enable a stricter control to be exercised.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

These alternatives are permissible under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, and the Orders in Council issued thereunder, requiring marking of origin on imported textile piece goods and pottery.

Mr. Smith

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the administration of the Merchandise Marks Act?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Yes. I think the law as laid down in the Merchandise Marks Acts is administered satisfactorily.

Mr. Swingler

Does the President not remember that we raised this very point during the passage of the Act and tried to insist that the name of the country of origin should be marked on the goods, and that we were given an assurance that the situation would be much improved? It seems that these practices are still continuing.

Mr. Thorneycroft

This Question refers to the 1926 Act.