§ 14. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will make a further statement on compulsory hallmarking.
§ Sir J. EdenDiscussions are still in progress to clarify certain points raised by interested organisations on the details of a reformed compulsory system, on which in general there is a wide measure of agreement. It will then be necessary to consider how a new scheme can best be administered and enforced.
§ Mr. ChapmanSince it is precisely 115 years ago since a Select Committee of this House recommended changes in the hallmarking system and since, in a previous Parliamentary Answer, my hon. Friend said he expected that a conclusion would be reached by the Government before the end of last year, does not he owe it to the House to make a definite statement before the Summer Recess about this matter and the progress made?
§ Sir J. EdenI recognise the strength of feeling that this matter should have been dealt with before now. We are pressing ahead as fast as we can. This is an extremely important matter and it is right fully to explore the nature and 17 weight of criticisms before coming to decisions.