HC Deb 11 July 1939 vol 349 cc2075-6W
Mr. Johnston

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to tins of Japanese salmon stamped with the word "Can," and with a convertible label carrying the words "Empire produce" and "Foreign produce"; and whether he can take any steps to prevent a convertible label carrying both inscriptions being used as a means of evading the provisions of the Merchandise Marks Act?

Mr. Stanley

I understand that where unlabelled tins of foreign produce bear the word "Can" at the time of importation, they are not released from Customs charge unless an indication of origin is also affixed. As regards the last part of the question, I understand that it is customary to sell both Empire and foreign produce under the same brand or trade mark and the type of label to which the right hon. Gentleman refers is no doubt intended to facilitate labelling. No objection can be taken to this practice, so long as the only indication of origin which is visible to the purchaser is the correct indication. If, however, the right hon. Gentleman could furnish me with particulars of any case where this practice leads to doubt in the mind of the purchaser as to the origin of the goods, I shall be pleased to consider what action can be taken.

Mr. Johnston

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the label affixed to certain yarn carrying the inscription, guaranteed made from genuine English sea island yarn finish, only obtainable from T. H. Downing Company, Limited, Leicester, and on the reverse side of the label the words "Downella super sea island finish," and in small minion type the word "foreign"; and if he will take steps to prevent any such infringement of the provisions of the Merchandise Marks Act?

Mr. Stanley

If the right hon. Gentleman would be good enough to furnish me with a specimen of the label to which he refers, and with particulars of the goods to which it is applied, I shall certainly look into the matter.

Sir A. Knox

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he proposes to introduce legislation to ensure that all imported goods will be marked clearly with the country of origin?

Mr. Stanley

I am not yet in a position to add to the answer which I gave on the 4th July to the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood).