§ Mr. LUNDONasked the President of the Board of Agriculture, how many prosecutions have been instituted against traders and others in Great Britain for the fraudulent sale of Irish butter during the years 1908, 1909, 1910, and 1911; in how many cases were convictions obtained; and what penalties were imposed?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANProsecutions were instituted by the Board under the Merchandise Marks Acts at the instance of die Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland on three occasions in 1908, for the offence of describing factory butter as creamery butter. Convictions were obtained in each case, fines of £5 and £26 5s. costs, £5 and £10 10s. costs, and £2 and £26 5s. costs (with 7s. court fees in addition) respectively being imposed. I understand that numerous other prosecutions have been undertaken by local authorities at the instance of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, who will no doubt be able to give the hon. Member information as to these cases if he desires it.