USE OF THE LION MARK FOR ENGLISH SILVER

Early day motion 1697A1, tabled 5 November 1998 by Lord Clarke of Nottingham (Conservative). Signed by 3 members.

leave out from 'a' to end and insert 'voluntary mark; concerned that complexity and confusion may arise when articles marked with other European Economic Area hallmarks become saleable in the United Kingdom in 1999 without the application of a British hallmark; and noting that recognition of all these hallmarks with certainty will be extremely difficult for the consumer, regulatory authorities and the industry; urges the Secretary of State to support the draft directive relating to Articles of Precious Metal, which is welcomed by the majority of British jewellers as it will provide a simpler framework of hallmarks while allowing all the elements of the British hallmark to be retained, and will provide a higher degree of protection to the trade and to the consumer; and further urges the Secretary of State to insist that the directive provides for an "e" to be applied to articles certified by a hallmark, and an "E" if certified by a declaration of conformity.'.

Signatures by party: Conservative 3.