HC Deb 12 December 1946 vol 431 cc262-3W
84. Colonel Stoddart-Scott

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Milan textile factories are making cotton and woollen goods of different types and qualities which leave the looms printed "Made in England"; that these goods are shipped back to Great Britain by the authority of his Department; where are they sold; and what steps he is taking to protect our export trade.

Sir S. Cripps

While a number of British merchants have, with the approval of my Department, made arrangements with Italian mills for the weaving of piece-goods which are sent to this country on condition that they are subsequently re-exported, I have no information that these fabrics are printed in the manner suggested in the first part of the Question. I am advised that goods so marked would be liable to confiscation by His Majesty's Customs as bearing a false trade description within the meaning of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887.