HC Deb 22 March 1956 vol 550 cc1435-6
1. Miss Burton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the indignation of the silk industry concerning recent advertisement for a fabric, the name of which has been sent to him, in which it is claimed that this material wears like silk at a third of the price, in breach of the Merchandise Marks Acts; and what action he proposes to take in the matter, under the Merchandise Marks Acts, following the evidence submitted to him by the hon. Member for Coventry, South, on 1st March last.

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

I have received no complaints from the silk industry on this subject, and I do not find either in the advertisement or in the evidence submitted by the hon. Lady grounds for action under the Merchandise Marks Acts.

Miss Burton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many complaints have been made by the silk industry, if they have not come to him? Further, after what he has just told me, may I ask him whether it is the policy of the Government that claims about the wearing properties of materials which have been proved false do not infringe the Merchandise Marks Acts?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I will look at any complaints put before me, but we must not complain too much if British textile manufacturers do praise their own products. I think they are entitled to do so.

Miss Burton

Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that I sent him the materials, that one material was silk, and that the price of the cheaper material was not one-third of that, but much more than half? Does he consider that a true statement?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I thought that this Question had to do with quality, but if there was some statement about price, shall be glad to look into it.

2. Miss Burton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the concern felt by the British Dental Association at the continuing display of misleading advertisements by some toothpaste manufacturers; and if he will take action, under the Merchandise Marks Acts, following the second submission of evidence made to him by the hon. Member for Coventry, South, on 5th March last.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I thank the hon. Lady for the evidence which she sent me on 5th March. It is not, however, of itself sufficient upon which to base a prosecution. Further steps are being taken to see whether all the available evidence justifies the institution of proceedings.

Miss Burton

While being grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for the crumbs of comfort given in the last part of his reply, may I ask him if he is aware that these Questions in the House and his consideration are already having some effect on these advertisements, and that we on these benches would welcome further action?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am glad that we are being so successful.