HC Deb 28 April 1975 vol 891 cc22-3W
29. Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will give a direction to commercial attaches in all embassies to oppose attempts to register pseudo-Scottish names by local knitwear manufacturers; and, in particular, if he will oppose the registration of the knitwear manufacturing name Hunter of Scotland in South Africa.

Mr. Deakins

Commercial officers overseas have standing instructions to watch cases of unfair competition of this kind. However, in many countries it is a legal requirement that representations must be made locally through legal channels by the overseas companies who consider their interests have been affected. As regards South Africa, the Scottish knitwear industry has sought my Department's advice about making representations. We are in touch with the embassy and will shortly provide further advice.