§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation to increase the penalties available for offences of industrial courterfeiting; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Butcher[pursuant to his reply, 10 December 1986]: Much industrial counterfeiting is already an offence under the Trade Description Act 1968 which provides penalties of up to two yers in prison, or an unlimited fine, or both. Moreover, clause 12 of the Criminal Justice Bill will be applicable in certain cases and will provide penalties of up to 10 years in prison, or an unlimited fine, or both. In these circumstances, I do not think that increases in the available penalties are necessary.