HC Deb 08 May 1972 vol 836 c254W
47. Mr. Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the minimum content of pure silver required in articles sold as silver in each of the European Economic Community countries.

Mr. Noble:

The permitted minimum in these countries is 800 parts per thousand except in Belgium, where it is 500 parts, and West Germany, which prescribes no minimum.

68. Mr. Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) which Acts of Parliament or Orders in Council concerning hallmarking of silver will require repeal or amendment if Great Britain joins the European Economic Community;

(2) what agreement he has reached with the European Economic Community to ensure that if Great Britain enter, the Community the law governing hallmarking will remain as at present and that silver sold in the United Kingdom will continue to have the point 925 content.

Mr. Noble:

There is no Community legislation which affects our hallmarking law.