HC Deb 05 December 1977 vol 940 c1006
22. Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what general principles he observes in asking the Office of Fair Trading to undertake inquiries into trade practices.

Mr. John Fraser

I have made no such requests to the Office of Fair Trading.

Mr. Arnold

Would the Minister of State confirm that statements of ministerial disapproval about particular trade practices do not necessarily have any basis in law?

Mr. Fraser

The statements have no basis in law but are a useful basis for considering legislation, particularly when such practices are dishonest, unfair, deceitful and confusing.