§ 19. Mrs. McLaughlinasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is satisfied that the growing practice of contracting out of the Sale of Goods Act, 1893, by offering a form of guarantee is in the interests of purchasers generally; and what consideration he has given to this matter.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonMy right hon. Friend is aware of the views which have been expressed on this subject, but as there are differences of opinion on the effect of these guarantees and on their practical consequences for the consumer, he proposes to await the findings and recommendations of the Committee on Consumer Protection before reaching a conclusion.
§ Mrs. McLaughlinIs my hon. Friend aware that in Nos. 10 and 18 of the Shoppers' Guide there has been an article on this matter and a facsimile of the form of guarantee of one car manufacturer? Is he further aware that in the case of the car manufacturer people taking over a car have been permitted to cut out part of the guarantee which prevents them under the Sale of Goods Act having rights and still sign the guarantee for effect? Does not this show that guarantees in respect of different merchandise are taking from the public their rights under the Sale of Goods Act? Is there not anything that my hon. Friend can do to protect the public?
§ Mr. MacphersonI was aware of what my hon. Friend said in the first part of her supplementary question, but I still think that it would be better to wait for the findings of the Committee on Consumer Protection rather than take action in the meantime.