§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list his powers to control the circumstances of use of the designation, "Made in Britain"; how the exercise of these powers is publicised; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FletcherThe designation "Made in Britain" is an indication of origin, and as such its use is subject to the Trades Descriptions Act 1968. False or misleading indications of British origin, are prohibited by section 1 of that Act. Section 36(1) of the Act provides that for this purpose, goods shall be deemed to have been manufactured or produced in the country in which they last underwent a treatment or process resulting in a substantial change. Section 36 (2) confers powers by order to clarify 15W or modify the application of this general rule in relation to any description of goods. I have no plans at present for new orders under this section, in addition to the Trade Descriptions (Country of Origin) (Cutlery) Order 1981. Any such orders would be made after consultation with trade and other interests concerned on the basis required by section 38 of the Act; would be laid before Parliament; and if appropriate would be further publicised before coming into effect.