asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that cases have arisen recently in which jewellery imported from abroad and hall-marked in this country was later found to be incorrectly hall-marked; and if he will give a full account of the procedure for hall-marking of native and imported jewellery in this country, the number of persons employed in this work, and their qualifications, conditions of employment, and remuneration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hall-Marking of Jewellery.
25.
The answer to the first part of the question is "no " but I would look into any case of incorrect hall-marking if sufficient particulars of the case are brought to my notice. Hall-marking of precious metals is carried out by the Assay Office, an independent body established by charter over three hundred years ago. The number and qualifications of persons employed in the Assay Office and their conditions of employment and remuneration are not determined by my Department, and I have, therefore, no detailed information on these matters.