HC Deb 05 March 1979 vol 963 cc875-6
1. Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection when he intends next to meet the Director General of Fair Trading.

4. Mr. Durant

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection when he plans next to meet the Director of Fair Trading.

The Minister of State, Department of Prices and Consumer Protection (Mr. John Fraser)

Tomorrow.

Mr. Madden

Will the Minister ask the Director General what progress is being made in his discussions with the building societies on the introduction of a joint valuation and structural survey scheme for potential house purchasers? Is the Minister aware that the scheme is now in its seventh draft and that the discussions have been rumbling on for about 18 months? When does he expect the scheme to be introduced?

Mr. Fraser

I understand that the Office of Fair Trading and the building societies are likely to reach agreement in principle very shortly. I shall then make an announcement.

Mr. Durant

When the Minister meets the Director General tomorrow will he ask him whether it his intention to intervene in the case of Leisure Arts to deal with the anomalies and so-called malpractices?

Mr. Fraser

If the Director General wishes to take action, he has adequate powers under part III of the Fair Trading Act. However, I am not aware of any breaches of the law which have come to his attention.

Mr. Greville Janner

When the Minister meets the Director General will he congratulate him on the work that he and his Department are doing and ask what further plans he has for extending the protection of the consumer against exploitation?

Mr. Fraser

That is a wide matter, but I shall certainly put the question to the Director General.