§ 27. Dr. Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will seek powers to give protection to 906 purchasers of defective goods from retail furnishers who subsequently cease trading.
§ Mr. EmeryWhen an undertaking ceases trading, potential creditors of the kind referred to by the hon. Member are in the same position as other ordinary creditors. I do not believe there is any case for changing this position. Therefore, no special powers appear to be necessary.
§ Dr. MarshallAre not special consumer protection powers necessary to help in cases like the one which I have recently referred to the Minister for Trade and Consumer Affairs concerning some constituents of mine who in 1970 spent £175 10s. on a three-piece suite covered in a material called Myskin that started cracking from an early date, the retailers being M. Kletz (Furnishers) of Doncaster and the manufacturers R. A. Jenner Ltd., of Hove, Sussex?
§ Mr. EmeryI understand the concern of the hon. Gentleman, and he knows that the Department is looking into the case that he has mentioned. Rather than debate the matter on the Floor of the House, I will write to the hon. Gentleman with specific reference to his case.
§ Mr. Alan WilliamsWhy does the newly published Fair Trading Bill contain no provision for giving compensation to consumers?
§ Mr. EmeryThat is an entirely different question. It has little to do with this case, but if the hon. Gentleman wishes it answered he should put it down.