Mr. Gresham Cooke:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements he makes under the International Agreement regarding False Indications of Origins on Goods, which was ratified by His Majesty's Government in 1938, in regard to seizing on importation, or to prohibiting the importation of, wines bearing a false indication of origin.

None, Sir, since the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, which is enforced by the Customs at importation, already prohibits the importation of wines bearing a false indication of origin.

Mr. Gresham Cooke:

Would not the Customs take action under this Agreement to prohibit the import of misdescribed champagne?

Yes, if the champagne were misdescribed, but we have not taken the import of wine labeled "Spanish champagne" as being a contravention of the Merchandise Marks Act.