§ 30. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will take steps to strengthen the appropriate international agreements in order to protect the name "Shetland" in foreign knitwear markets.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisI think that the provisions of existing international agreement on fair trading are adequate. These depend for their enforcement upon domestic legislation in member countries, and the onus is on complainants to establish that a description is being misused. It would be impracticable to remove this onus in respect of any particular name, but if the right hon. Gentleman has any specific suggestions to make I will certainly consider them.
§ Mr. GrimondDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that it is extremely difficult for a small industry to keep track of all infringements of the agreements? Will he give an undertaking that the Department will resist all the attempts which we believe are being made to deprive the word "Shetland" of any territorial significance?
§ Mr. DavisI understand that it is extremely difficult for a small industry to keep track of infringements, but the right hon. Gentleman is asking the Department to assume a great responsibility. There is real difficulty in determining exactly what is a Shetland product. I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman would have no difficulty in making that 22 determination, but I am advised that it is a problem in world trade.