HC Deb 09 April 1957 vol 568 c945
17. Mr. Hence

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes taking, by legislation or otherwise, to protect the public against inferior quality textiles being sold as top quality.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. F. J. Erroll)

Powers already exist under the Merchandise Marks Acts to prosecute traders who apply false or misleading trade descriptions to goods by wrongly attributing to them recognised standards of quality.

Mr. Bence

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in this particular case the Board of Trade advised that the name of the manufacturer should be given but that unfortunately the retailer in Glasgow refused to give the name; therefore, the purchaser of the product seems to have no redress because he cannot get the name of the manufacturer?

Mr. Erroll

As the hon. Member is referring to a particular case, I should be glad if he would give me details so that I can look into it myself.