HC Deb 02 March 1954 vol 524 cc983-4
2. Miss Burton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the textile trade considers that the lowest percentage content of camelhair in a wool and camelhair coat or cloth to merit the term camelhair is 15 percent.; that details of four manufacturers using only 2 per cent, content, of one using only 5 per cent, and of seven using only 7 per cent, as at January, 1954, have been submitted to him; that of these 12 manufacturers six have been offering labels with the merchandise; and what action he proposes to take under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1954, following the letter sent to him by the hon. Member for Coventry, South, on 9th February last.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I am in communication with the hon. Member on this matter.

Miss Burton

Is the Minister aware that his reply is outrageous and makes a mockery of the Merchandise Marks Acts? I see that the right hon. Gentleman looks astonished. Is he aware that I gave him in writing details and names of 12 manufacturers who have made cloth purporting to be what it is not? Is he further aware that, in addition, I gave the names of six of them who, in addition, have issued wrong labels? What more can be done to protect the public?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am sorry that the hon. Lady should think it outrageous that I should be in communication with her on this subject. Perhaps she will await my communication and put down a further Question.

Miss Burton

rose—

Mr. Speaker

As the Minister says that he is communicating with the hon. Member, I think we had better pass on to the next Question.

Miss Burton

May I ask your guidance, Mr. Speaker, because I am sure that the Minister is not deliberately mistaken? I have had his letter. It took three weeks to come, and stated that he was doing nothing. In view of that, may I put another question?

Mr. Speaker

I recommend the hon. Lady to write another letter pointing that out to the Minister.

Mr. Gaitskell

In view of the fact that a letter has been received by my hon. Friend, may I put a supplementary question?

Mr. Speaker

I should have called the right hon. Gentleman had I observed him rise previously. But, as I have called the next Question, he must excuse me if we pass on.