asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps his Department is taking to prevent counterfeiting of United Kingdom confectionery products; and what representations he has received from the United Kingdom confectionery industry on this subject.

The existing laws covering trade descriptions, trade marks, copyright, patents, designs and passing-off, protect against counterfeiting in the United Kingdom. Protection in other countries depends on national laws there. I have received no representations specifically from the United Kingdom confectionery industry although proposals for changes in the law have been made by the Anti Counterfeiting Group which represents companies in a range of industries.