HC Deb 04 February 1954 vol 523 cc530-1
10. Miss Burton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of public concern at the advertising as wool and camelhair of coats or cloth which contain only 2 or 3 per cent. of camelhair; and if he will institute proceedings against such offences under the Merchandise Marks Acts.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

No, Sir; but if evidence of infringement of the Merchandise Marks Acts is submitted to me I am always prepared to consider whether the circumstances warrant the institution of proceedings.

Miss Burton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I shall have much pleasure in giving him the names of 10 manufacturers who are guilty of this infringement? Will he consider instituting prosecutions against them?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I shall value such a communication.

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

Will the President give serious consideration to this because of the adverse effect it may have upon our export market, especially in view ofthe fact that overseas buyers buy goods wrongly described and go away with the wrong information about the quality of our high-grade goods?