Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce. – in the House of Commons at on 8 March 1938.
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the importation of Italian cotton textiles into this country in the piece which are then laundered or made into sheets and sold as of British manufacture; and what action he proposes to take to prevent this counterfeiting of British goods in British markets?
I am informed that sheets made up in this country from imported material have been sold without an indication of the origin of the material, but it has not been brought to my notice that the sheets are sold as of British manufacture. If my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish me with particulars of any such case, I will certainly consider whether action can be taken under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887.
Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that I received a letter, dated 24th January, which I sent to the President of the Board of Trade, stating the experience of certain people who had purchased these goods as British goods?
I have seen that letter, but my hon. and gallant Friend appears to be making a rather different charge in this question. If he will come and discuss the matter with me, I shall be very pleased to explain.