HALLMARKING

That this House recognises the guarantee of quality and authenticity accorded by the United Kingdom hallmarking system without which most consumers would be unable to distinguish differing grades of jewellery and precious metals; is concerned that this protection will be at risk if German manufacturers are successful in their challenge to the United Kingdom Hallmarking Act and are thereby able to place currently unacceptable articles in the United Kingdom market without independent markings; and urges Her Majesty's Government rigorously to defend the United Kingdom system, and the European Commission to reconsider the need for a common hallmarking system.