Sir G. HAMILTONasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he is aware that the practice of the authorities charged with ordering stores for India and the Crown Colonies in declining to consider tenders for goods sold under registered British trade marks is prejudicial to British trade, as the use 600W of these branded goods in Government services frequently produces inquiries and orders for British firms from commercial and industrial concerns in the different parts of the Empire in which they are used; and whether he will approach such authorities with a view to their allowing such proprietary articles to be submitted in tenders?
§ Mr. GILLETTFrom inquiries which I have made, I am forced to conclude that the hon. Member is under a misapprehension in thinking that such a practice exists; the second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.