§ 26. Mr. Scottasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will seek to ensure, by legislation or otherwise, that commercial concerns are denied the chance to describe themselves as consumer organisations.
§ 59. Mr. Gardnerasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will introduce legislation to prevent misleading use of the description consumer council.
§ Mr. DarlingNo, Sir. But my right hon. Friend will try to ensure, by means of his powers under the Registration of Business Names Act and the Companies Act, that concerns are not registered by names which might mislead by suggesting a connection with well-known organisations for consumer protection.
§ Mr. ScottIs it not well known that at least two bodies which have no connection at all with consumer protection are masquerading as such? Would it not be useful if the Registrar had powers to prevent companies using these names even when they have been registered?
§ Mr. DarlingThere is a great deal in what the hon. Gentleman says, but unfortunately the Act at the moment does not allow the Registrar to remove names which, in the opinion of many people, might be considered undesirable.
§ Mr. GardnerWill my right hon. Friend therefore impress upon his right hon. colleagues the importance of securing the early introduction of a Bill to amend company law?
§ Mr. DarlingYes.
§ Mr. Francis Noel-BakerWhile my right hon. Friend is considering this matter, will he also have another look at the so-called Advertising Standards Authority—a body set up by advertising business interests and wholly financed by 1702 them, the title of which is totally misleading?
§ Mr. DarlingThat is another question.