§ 8. Mr. Shepherdasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the high pressure sales techniques employed by dancing schools, health clubs, and hair clinics to force people into signing contracts involving substantial sums of money; and whether he will take steps to apply a waiting period in respect of these agreements.
§ Mr. DarlingExcept in the case of one company, which has been discussed this week, Universal Health Studios Ltd., I have received no complaints about high pressure salesmanship by businesses of these kinds but I am considering whether further legislation is necessary and practicable.
§ Mr. ShepherdWill the Minister bear in mind the fact that many complaints have been made against this type of activity, which has been largely imported from the United States of America? Is it not desirable to do something to stop this behaviour, which reflects very badly and unreasonably on the whole of British business?
§ Mr. DarlingIf the hon. Member will read the reply that I made in the Adjournment debate on Tuesday, I think he will find that I have covered his point.
§ Mr. DoddsMy hon. Friend mentioned Universal Health Studios Ltd. Did not he receive an undertaking from that firm that it would have a cooling-off period? What is happening to that?
§ Mr. DarlingMy hon. Friend has a later Question on that subject.