§ Mr. Loveridgeasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what are the establishments and strengths of the Consumer Affairs, Monopolies and Mergers, Restrictive Trade Practices and Consumer Credit divisions of the Office of Fair Trading, and on what dates when each division was set up.
Mr. Alan WilliamsI am informed by the Director General of Fair Trading that the details are as follows:
equestrian saddles which are not stamped with the country of manufacture.
Mr. Alan WilliamsThe Trade Descriptions Act 1968 prohibits the import 305W of goods bearing a false indication of the place of manufacture but there is no origin marking requirement on importation. If imported goods are subsequently supplied in this country under a United Kingdom name or mark, the Trade Descriptions Act 1972 requires a conspicuous indication of the country of manufacture to be shown.
§ Mr. Banksasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what design regulations for safety exist, with which imported equestrian saddles must comply as a condition of entry.
Mr. Alan WilliamsThere are no regulations under the Consumer Protection Act 1961 relating to equestrian saddles. Under the Act, any such regulations would in any case apply at the point of sale rather than as a condition of entry. Any hazard in a consumer product that comes to the attention of my Department is normally taken up immediately with the manufacturer or importer concerned. If the hon. Member has any particular equipment in mind I shall be pleased to look into the matter.