asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that tinned fruit packed by the China National Foodstuffs Export Corporation, Fukien, and imported from the People's Republic of China, is on sale in a leading Dublin store; and that the producer's name, national symbols and country of origin are concealed under a green price label which appears to be affixed in this country; and if he will take steps to prohibit traders from concealing or disguising the manufacturer's name and trademark on any goods exposed for sale.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports from China: Concealment of Origin.
20.
In the Merchandise Marks Act, 1931, it is provided that persons substantially representative of producing, manufacturing or trading interests may apply for an Order prohibiting the sale of specified imported goods without an indication of origin. The Act set up the Merchandise Marks Commission to consider and make recommendations on applications of this kind. No such applications have been received for many years. In any event, I am doubtful if the case referred to by the Deputy is one which would properly be referable to the Commission.
I am not aware of any considerations which would justify the creation of a general statutory obligation requiring that a manufacturer's name and trade mark (if any) should be shown on his products.
Is the Minister prepared to condone the practice whereby leading firms in Dublin are hiding from an unsuspecting public the name of the country of origin of this tinned fruit, namely, Communist China?
That is a separate question.