§ 10. Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what is the estimated cost of the planned investigation by the Office of Fair Trading into computer dating.
Mr. Alan WilliamsThis is a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading. The hon. Member may care to write to him about it.
§ Mr. BrothertonRegardless of the sum spent, does the hon. Gentleman not agree that this is a great waste of public money? Does he not further agree that it is surely not the job of the taxpayer to subsidise those who have faith in this form of electronic roulette? If there is any question of fraudulent practice by computer dating firms, surely redress should be sought through the courts?
Mr. Alan WilliamsSome unfortunate members of the public do not share the hon. Member's dashing good looks and therefore need assistance. Very lonely people have been exploited and, in some cases, fees of up to £100 have been paid for which virtually no service has been provided. It is for the Office of Fair Trading to decide whether it wishes to investigate. The Office is independent, and it not for me to interfere with its activities.