"Don't Be Duped By Dangerous Christmas Fakes" Says Lib Dem MP

27.11.01

Edward Davey, Lib Dem MP for Kingston & Surbiton, has backed legislation to crackdown on the makers of fake and counterfeit Christmas gifts.

Pushed for cash as the Christmas season approaches, many people consider buying cheap fakes and imitations. But Edward Davey MP has warned local people not to be duped.

Supporting proposed legislation to increase the sentences for counterfeiters and make it easier to secure convictions, he said:

"Cheap imitations - such as counterfeit CDs and video games - may look like bargains, but they are often poor quality and lead to disappointment on Christmas morning.

"More worryingly, many fake goods do not comply with British safety standards and can be extremely dangerous. In recent months, police have reported finding urine in perfume bottles and concentrated ethanol passed off as whisky or gin. Disturbingly, hardcore pornography has also been found on children's videos."

Twickenham MP, Dr. Vincent Cable, moved his Copyright, etc. and Trade Marks (Offences and Enforcement) Bill on Friday, with the support of MPs from across the political spectrum. The bill aims to increase the penalties for copyright theft to ten years, strengthen search warrant provisions and give greater powers to confiscate fake goods.