HC Deb 15 February 1955 vol 537 c178
23. Miss Burton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the growing disquiet among manufacturers in this country concerning textile exports from Hong Kong; and what action is proposed to deal with the copying of British patents and British brand names.

Mr. H. Strauss

Some anxiety has been expressed about competition from exports of certain low-priced textiles from Hong Kong. The few cases of copying known to my right hon. Friend have been effectively dealt with under existing Acts.

Miss Burton

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this is a further example of what we on this side of the House have found—that the Board of Trade only try to deal with these cases after they have happened? Is the hon. and learned Gentleman going to take any action to defend our manufacturers as far as Hong Kong is concerned?

Mr. Strauss

The hon. Lady is well aware that it is not the policy of H.M. Government to restrict imports from the Colonies by quotas or tariffs.