HC Deb 18 December 1997 vol 303 cc482-4
14. Mr. Ainger

What measures her Department has taken to improve consumer protection standards. [19882]

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

How long do I have? We have introduced the toughest firework safety campaign ever and new laws to protect the public against dangerous goods. We have sent out warnings to 19 million gas users about carbon monoxide dangers and have introduced a host of other measures. In short, we are making up for lost time.

Mr. Ainger

I congratulate my hon. Friend and his team on the work that they have done in the past seven months to protect and enhance consumers' interests. He will be aware of the alarm and concern expressed by consumer groups and reputable bakers at the previous Government's attempt to deregulate the weights of the traditional British loaf. I am aware that negotiations have taken place with the European Commission on this issue. What are the results of those negotiations? Can my hon. Friend assure the House that the Government will protect the traditional British loaf?

Mr. Griffiths

While it is true that the previous Government's actions in 1993 prompted the European Commission to intervene and oppose our limits on bread sizes, we have successfully negotiated with the Commission to retain the traditional small and standard loaf and avoid consumers being short-changed.

Mr. Bercow

Was the Minister reprimanded after he intervened to prejudice the outcome of the inquiry into the pricing of electrical goods? Did he suffer a penalty from the President of the Board of Trade? Given that this is the fourth occasion on which the hon. Gentleman has been removed from involvement in a competition matter, is it not now time that he was removed from office permanently?

Mr. Griffiths

I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman believes the tale told twice by the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan). It is completely unreliable information and he is mistaken to tell the House that I have been removed from the electrical retailing inquiry. I intend to maintain my keen interest in those matters. In terms of the legislation that we have been considering since May, perhaps the House would like me to add a measure on misleading information from the Conservative party.