HC Deb 09 May 1963 vol 677 cc669-70
53. Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the present state of the law allows nuisance to householders by door-to-door salesmen; if he will introduce legislation to impose stricter restrictions on their activities, especially soap detergent canvassers, educational magazine salesmen and salesmen posing as students to sell books; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Woodhouse

No, Sir. The Committee on Consumer Protection considered and rejected the suggestion that there should be statutory control over the commercial practices of door-to-door salesmen.

Mr. Mason

This practice is growing a great deal faster than the Molony Committee realised. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a growing nuisance and that deplorable practices are developing? People have told lies at the door to enable them to enter households. Many of these canvassers are giving the impression that they are being supported by their local education authorities. Now we are witnessing another deplorable practice. Soap detergent canvassers are invading residential districts and pestering householders at the door. Surely something should be done about this. The Home Office should consider rectifying the law on this matter.

Mr. Woodhouse

We have, of course, given consideration to this, but, in the circumstances, I do not think that I can usefully go beyond the paragraphs in the Molony Committee's final Report, with which the hon. Gentleman will be familiar.

Miss Bacon

In view of the worsening of the position over the last year or two, will the hon. Gentleman look into this matter again? Does he not agree that there has been a great increase in this practice since the Molony Committee reported? Is it not essential that this matter should be looked at afresh?

Mr. Woodhouse

I am certainly always willing to look at any such matter afresh. It might be appropriate to make representations to the Consumer Council on this subject.

Mr. Fletcher

Will the hon. Gentleman consider with the President of the Board of Trade whether one method of dealing with this nuisance might be to overhaul and improve the laws relating to hire purchase?

Mr. Woodhouse

I am grateful for that suggestion. I will convey it to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, who has responsibility for administering that law.