§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures her Department takes to detect imported equipment which is sold as British-made. [36832]
§ Ms HewittIt is an offence under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 to describe goods in a false or misleading way as to their origin. The Act also prohibits the importation of goods falsely marked as to their origin. Local authority trading standards officers have the powers to investigate and where necessary prosecute offences under the Act. The prohibition on importation is enforced by HM Customs and Excise at ports of entry.