HC Deb 02 March 1954 vol 524 cc75-6W
Mr. McKibbin

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a considerable amount of footwear marked "Empire" is imported into the United Kingdom from the Irish Republic; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that in the future such footwear shall be plainly marked "Made in the Irish Republic."

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Yes. The Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, provides that imported goods must be marked "Empire" or "Foreign," as the case may be, or with a definite indication of the country of origin. By virtue of the Ireland Act, 1949, the mark "Empire" can legally be applied as an indication of origin on goods from the Irish Republic. I have no authority to insist upon a marking "Made in the Irish Republic."