HC Deb 28 June 1920 vol 131 c68W

Captain LOSEBY asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that large quantities of foreign printed matter, such as postcards, picture books, ceramic transfers, and other classes of pictorial work, are being freely imported into this country from the Continent, and Germany in particular; that these articles are often sold as British productions in this country, or trans-shipped elsewhere as such; that they are being sold at a price 50 to 70 per cent. below the cost of production in this country, the British trade being thus seriously threatened; and if he will consider the advisability of so enforcing the Merchandise Marks Acts as to ensure that every article of foreign printed matter shall have the name of the country of origin clearly indicated before it is offered for sale by retail?

Sir R. HORNE: I am aware of the facts to which the hon. and gallant Member alludes. I am advised that under the existing Merchandise Marks Acts, it would not be possible to compel all foreign printed matter to bear the name of its country of origin and that further legislation would be necessary for the purpose. The Report of the Merchandise Marks Committee which took evidence in regard to this particular class of goods, among others, is now under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to state what action should be taken on the Report.