§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Committee appointed to consider the provi- 921W sions of the Merchandise Marks Act, respecting indications of origin, has yet made its Report; whether he has received any communication from trade societies demanding that the Government shall administer the Merchandise Marks Act in a much firmer manner, and that further regulations, if needed, be made and enforced as will secure that each article of foreign printed matter imported for sale in this country, or for transhipment for sale elsewhere, shall have the country of its origin clearly indicated upon it at the moment it is offered for retail sale, and that the Act referred to be so amended as to secure this end, if necessary; and whether he can state the intention of the Government on this matter?
§ Sir R. HORNEI received the Report of the Committee a few days ago, and steps are being taken to publish it shortly. I am aware of the communications to which the hon. Member refers, but am unable to make any statement as to the intentions of the Government until the Report of the Committee has been fully considered.