HC Deb 28 October 1954 vol 531 c2107
1. Mr. Hale

asked the President of the Board of Trade in what circumstances imported textiles are permitted under his regulations to be sold in this country without bearing any indication of the country of their origin.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Peter Thorneycroft)

Those which neither bear a British name or trade mark nor are subject to a compulsory marking order under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926.

Mr. Hale

Surely, the right hon. Gentleman has been receiving complaints of foreign competitive manufactures being received in this country without marks of origin, and in contravention of the existing law? Is he taking no steps about it?

Mr. Thorneycroft

If anything is done contrary to the existing law and the hon. Member calls my attention to it, I will see that the necessary steps are taken or that those able to take them are advised, but if there are firms who think that the marking should be extended further to other textiles not covered, it is open to them to apply to me for that purpose.