HC Deb 25 April 1983 vol 41 cc596-7
18. Mr. Marlow

asked the Minister for Trade when the Government intend to bring forward further proposals for origin marking.

Dr. Vaughan

I shall make an announcement as soon as possible.

Mr. Marlow

Is my hon. Friend aware—I am sure that he is—that a great number of loyal, patriotic people are very keen to buy British goods, not only because they are the best but because they are British, but that they sometimes find it difficult to identify such goods? The whole country will be delighted when he comes forward with proposals. Will he do so as soon as possible, especially in relation to imported motor cars, as many people buying Fords or Vauxhalls would like to know whether they are produced here or imported?

Dr. Vaughan

Every customer has a right to know when buying any commodity the quality of the product and its safety and from where it has come. I share my hon. Friend's views. We have obligations within the Community, which we share with other members of the Community, but I am looking at the present origin marking regulations, which were brought in only at the beginning of last year, to see whether we can improve them. At the same time, as I have said previously, we are also looking at whether more can be done about the safety of goods.