§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the frequent practice of certain traders in offering apples and other fruits for sale under a wrong description; and if he will take action under the Merchandise Marks Act so as to put an end to these practices.
Mr. AmoryI am informed that a very small minority of traders sometimes offer for sale apples and other fruit under false descriptions, and that the practice contravenes not only the Merchandise Marks Acts, 1887–1953, but also the Food and Drugs Act, 1955. Appropriate local authorities have the power under the former enactments and an obligation under the latter to prosecute for such offences committed within their areas, and I believe that they are discharging their responsibilities in this respect. In these circumstances, I do not consider action by my Department necessary.