On Friday, the 16th, the House read Mr. Pretyman's "
Merchandise' Marks Bill " a second time. This measure is intended to enable the consumer to tell which country the article he purchases comes from. But to effect this it sets up elaborate machinery of inspection at the Customs Offices, admittedly entailing the breaking of bulk, which could not but hamper' our imports. And- it cannot be reiterated. too often that anything which does that is inimical to the essential interests- of this country. It is no use talking of " protecting the British producer." British producers, to a larger degree than those of any other country, produce for the export market, and anything which hampers imports will react on exports. " If thou wilt not import, neither shalt thou export," should be written round the hat Of every Customs House official to remind him of the limita- tions of his duties. We sincerely hope the Bill will not become law.
Previous page
