Wines

HC Deb 18 December 1958 vol 597 cc1293-4

22. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to assisting Anglo-French commercial relations, he will initiate a new commercial treaty with the Republic of France under which protection will be given to the description, "Champagne", in the same way as it is given to the description, "Port and Madeira", under the Anglo-Portuguese Commercial Treaty Acts, 1914 and 1916.

26. Mr. Edelman

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking in the interest of good Franco-British trading relations and in accordance with the Madrid Convention to prevent the importation of wines masquerading under the name of French wine-growing areas where the combination of climate, soil and technique produces unique types of wine officially designated by French law.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. John Rodgers)

These are matters which fall to be decided by the courts, and it is not the present intention of the Government to introduce legislation to change this.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

In view of the adverse decision by an Old Bailey jury and the failure to give protection to the French champagne growers, and in view of the great interest of the French champagne growers in this matter, would it not be a gesture of Christmas good will to approach the French Government with a view to making a treaty similar to that which we have with Portugal for the protection of port and madeira?

Mr. Rodgers

In view of the uncertainty about the Free Trade Area, I do not think this would be an opportune moment to suggest a commercial treaty on this narrow front.

Mr. Jay

Next time the President of the Board of Trade negotiates with the French. can he arrange for champagne of all types to be available so that a happier atmosphere may prevail?

Mr. Rodgers

I think that is a very good Christmas suggestion.

37. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action has been taken during recent years to prevent the importation of falsely described wines; whether he will re-examine the provisions of the Merchandise Marks Act to ensure that they are still sufficient to cover United Kingdom obligations under the Madrid Convention of 1934 and in particular under Article 3 bis of that Agreement, whereby signatory Governments must prohibit anything capable of deceiving the public as to origin in, signs, advertisements and wine lists; and what action he proposes to take to implement the Agreement more effectively.

Mr. J. Rodgers

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is responsible for preventing the importation of goods under false descriptions. With regard to the rest of the Question, I am advised that the Merchandise Marks Acts 1887–1953, extended by the Patents Etc. (International Conventions) Act, 1938, give proper effect to our obligations under international agreements to which my hon. Friend has referred.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

As the Old Bailey decision went against the Merchandise Marks Act, cannot the Act be amended, because under Article 3 bis we undertake with the countries to which the present Agreement applies to prohibit the use in connection with the sale of any goods of any indication in the nature of publicity capable of deceiving the public as to the origin of goods appearing in any signs, advertisements and merchants' wine lists and other commercial communications?

Mr. Rodgers

Interpretation of whether the description is false or misleading lies with the courts.