§ Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that cases have occurred of the incorrect marking of oranges as "Empire," when only the South African and Australian varieties are entitled to that description ; and whether he will proceed with an order for the marking of imperial citrus fruits under the Merchandise Marks Act?
§ Dr. ADDISONNo specific case has been brought to my notice of the marking of foreign oranges as "Empire." Before any steps can be taken with a view to the making of an Order in Council under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, to require the marking of imported citrus fruits with an indication of origin, an application must be made which substantially represents interests such as those of producers, traders or consumers, and the application must then form the subject of a public inquiry by the standing committee which has been set up under the Act. No such application has been received so far in respect of any citrus fruits.