§ 2. Mrs. Knightasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to implement the recommendations of the 1959 Board of Trade Departmental Committee on Hallmarking.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Mr. Nicholas Ridley)We are at present awaiting comments from interested parties on a consultative document setting out proposals for a new hallmarking law. I cannot, however, say when it will be possible to introduce legislation.
§ Mrs. KnightDoes not the Minister think that twelve years is a very long time to wait for comments on a report of this kind? Is he aware of the great importance to the silversmithing and goldsmithing trades that compulsory hallmarking should continue, and also the importance 3 to the buying public? Will it go on, or will it not? Can the Minister at least reaffirm the assurance given in the House on 28th January, 1970, that any reform of the law will be based on compulsory hallmarking of gold, silver and platinum ware?
§ Mr. RidleyThe consultative document was issued only a few months ago. That document definitely suggests that there will be compulsory hallmarking. But it is important to get the details right, and that is what we are trying to do.
§ Mrs. Doris FisherI have had considerable correspondence with the Department. One gets a little frustrated by letters saying that consultations are still going on. As far back as last June, July and September, and again in February of this year, it was said that consultations were still going on. When one gets in touch with the Assay Office one finds that it has made its returns. Is the delay in the Department?
§ Mr. RidleyI cannot accept responsibility for the 12 years referred to by the hon. Lady. I can only tell her that the document that we issued was issued only a few months ago. She will probably agree that it is important that the trade should agree the details of the new law. As far as I can see, there has been no undue delay.