HC Deb 27 April 1961 vol 639 c616
28. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will require that imports from Hong Kong are marked as made in Hong Kong.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Reginald Maudling)

No, Sir. The Merchandise Marks Acts, 1887–1953 prescribe the conditions in which imported goods should bear an indication of origin; I do not think that any change in this respect is needed.

Mr. Allaun

Is not the description "Empire Made" misleading in this case, and would not "Made in Hong Kong" be preferable in view of the appallingly low wages and other sweated conditions there with which our British workers have to compete?

Mr. Maudling

The descriptions permitted are either "Foreign" or "Empire", and it would not be right to single out one territory for a special limitation.