HC Deb 04 December 1928 vol 223 cc1040-1W
Mr. DAY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give par- ticulars of the number of applications that have been referred to the Standing Committee appointed under the Merchandise Marks Act; and the number of final decisions which have now been definitely arrived at in reference to these applications?

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Fifty-four applications have been referred to the Committee appointed by the Board of Trade under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926. The Committee have so far made 38 reports, covering 43 applications. Orders in Council have been made as a result of 20 of these reports, and a Draft Order now before Parliament relates to 10 more.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received a resolution passed by the Plymouth and District Grocers' Association protesting against the draft Order issued under the Merchandise Marks Act (Imported Goods) for the marking of imported currants, sultanas and raisins, imported eggs, and imported oatmeal and oat products as unnecessary and undesirable and not in the interests of consumers and distributors of such articles of food; and whether he proposes to take any action?

Mr. GUINNESS

The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I would ask the hon. Member to await the Debate which is to take place to-night.