The Ministry of Finance is investigating a claim that improperly labelled foreign-made craft items are mistakenly being purchased by people who think they are locally made.

Pot Luck Pottery owner Mr. Robert Massey, who has been making ceramic miniatures of local buildings since 1979, feels his business is being threatened by similar foreign-made products being sold in some stores at prices slightly cheaper than what his crafts retail for.

Mr. Massey says he doesn't object to the sale of the imitation Bermuda cottage pottery in local stores, but he does suggest it is "unfair'' that while his products say "Made in Bermuda'', some of the imitation crafts do not say where they are made.

"I could go out of business,'' he commented.

He would like to see legislation similar to that Europe or the US requiring products indicate their country of origin.

Some of the similar cottages say "Bermuda Trader'' while others indicate clearly that they are made in Great Britain, like those by David Winter.

Mr. Philip Compton, economic advisor to the Minister of Finance confirmed that Mr. Massey was in contact with the Ministry. "Mr. Massey has approached the Ministry of Finance and we are investigating,'' said Mr. Compton.

Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge said: "I share his (Mr.

Massey's) concern''.

Mr. Massey said a visitor to the island could purchase Bermuda cottage pottery here but made in Indonesia and think he or she is buying an authentic hand-painted Bermuda item.

The local craftsman said he has about 30 different styles of Bermuda cottage pottery and about 20 similar ceramic cottages have made their way to the Island.

Where Mr. Massey was at one time able to employ up to five people at one time, he says the company now consists of just himself and his wife, Dejan.

"The country of origin is using our national heritage free of charge,'' he commented.

Mr. Massey said he is not asking for "protectionism'', but claims the current situation is unfair, not just for him but for any local craft manufacturer.

Mrs. Jill Raine, owner of the Bridge House Art Gallery and Craft Shop, which sells only locally made items, said she believes the local trade is suffering from the situation.

The similar Bermuda cottages do not say they are made in Bermuda nor do they say they are not, she noted.

Mrs. Raine said she was not against the sale of the imported souvenir cottages but the consumer should be made aware it is not made in Bermuda.

"The Bermuda arts and crafts section has to be supported -- it's healthy for people,'' said Mrs. Raine.

Peter Darling, general manager at Bluck William and Company in Hamilton is one location which carries Mr. Massey's work. Mr. Darling said: "We try to support locally made items.'' The store does not carry the similar items Mr.

Massey is concerned about, Mr. Darling continued.

Sylvia Coelho, assistant buyer for Trimingham's, said their policy is to support locally made items. The store does not carry Mr. Massey's product but "If Mr. Massey came to me, I would most certainly consider his product (for sale at Trimingham's),'' she said.