§ Sir G. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received that at the Bologna Fair earlier this year footwear was displayed with the Union Flag in such a way as to imply that they were of British manufacture when they were not; and if he will take all possible steps to prevent a repetition.
§ Mr. DeakinsMy Department heard in April last from one British shoe manufacturer and from the British Consulate General in Milan of the use of the Union Flag by some Italian shoe manufacturers at the Bologna Fair.
The British Consulate General at once raised the question with the Italian Shoe Manufacturers Association (ANCI) which later circularised its members deploring the practice and asked for it to stop.
It is hoped that any future misuse will be avoided but the British Consulate General will continue to monitor the position. The next major opportunity to make a check will be when new collections are displayed next Spring.