§ 32. Mr. Peytonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to protect British manufacturers and exporters from unfair competition arising out of the use by Japanese firms of wrappings which are precise copies of those designed and used by British manufacturers.
§ Sir D. EcclesOur law and the law of most countries, including Japan, provides means by which manufacturers can protect themselves against unfair competition of this kind, particularly when 1268 their trade marks or registered designs have been copied. In a number of cases of copying by factories in Japan, the authorities and trade associations there have taken effective action; and we are always prepared to take up such cases with them.
§ Mr. PeytonMay I ask my right hon. Friend if he will be good enough to look at a case which I will send him? If so, he will find that there are instances of not only the same design being used but of a quite unauthorised and improper use being made of the firm's name and registered trade mark? Does not he agree that this practice, which has been growing, but evidence of which is difficult to get, amounts to an unwarrantable, scandalous breach of all international trading standards which should be accepted and without which there cannot be any good faith in commerce?
§ Sir D. EcclesI shall be glad to look at any information which my hon. Friend cares to send me.