HC Deb 24 January 1956 vol 548 c24
36 and 37. Mr. Burden

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is aware that certain wholesalers are describing, in their trade catalogues, rugs as being "Mohair Type" at prices which make it certain that there is no mohair content; that under the Merchandise Marks Act the word "Mohair" can be used only when the rugs are made wholly of mohair; and what action he intends taking in this matter;

(2) if he is aware that the term "Knitting Wool" is being used to describe yarn that does not consist entirely of wool; and if he will take action to prevent this contravention of the Merchandise Marks Act.

Mr. Walker-Smith

My right hon. Friend has received complaints on both these subjects and these are being investigated.

Mr. Burden

Will my hon. and learned Friend give an undertaking that, wherever there are prosecutions, as much attention as possible will be drawn to them, particularly in relation to the very serious view which the courts take, in order to bring home to traders the fact that they must comply with the Merchandise Marks Act?

Mr. Walker-Smith

Prosecutions which are undertaken do, of course, attract appropriate attention. I am sure that my hon. Friend would not expect me to refer to particular cases.