HC Deb 19 March 1959 vol 602 cc603-4
7. Miss Burton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the increased number of seals and marks of approval being attached to goods in the shops; what proportion are approved by his Department; and what check is kept on those not approved to safeguard the interest of consumers.

Mr. J. Rodgers

Some seals or marks of approval are registered as certification trade marks and the regulations governing these must be approved by the Board of Trade. Other marks may be subject to the Merchandise Marks Acts.

Miss Burton

Will the Parliamentary Secretary never make any advance on these matters? Is he aware that during the past twelve months we have had an absolute deluge of these marks on goods? Is he further aware that some of them are worth exactly nothing? What guarantee has the customer and what chance has she of finding out the true value?

Mr. Rodgers

I agree that these seals of quality which are not certification trade marks are commonly issued without any indication of the tests which have been applied in granting them. The Board of Trade endorses the view that it would be in the interests of shoppers that the tests should be made known.

Miss Burton

Then why does the Board of Trade not do something about it?