HC Deb 23 June 1960 vol 625 cc665-6
23. Mr. Dugdale

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is satisfied that all South African goods entering this country are easily identifiable as such.

Mr. Maudling

There is no statutory requirement that South African goods should be identified as such, but where the Merchandise Marks Acts require the application of an indication of origin, that indication—so far as South African goods are concerned—may, at the option of the person applying the mark, be either the word "Empire", or a definite indication of the country in which the goods were manufactured or produced, for example, "Made in South Africa".

Mr. Dugdale

But is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is just the sort of statement he has made which causes the difficulty? The word "Empire" does not necessarily convey to people that goods are made in South Africa. Is he aware that many people wish to have the choice of whether they buy South African goods or not and the word "Empire does not give an opportunity for them to exercise that choice?

Mr. Maudling

I do not think it was the purpose of Parliament when passing the Merchandise Marks Acts that they should be used for the political purpose which the hon. Member has in mind.