§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what evidence he has that the legal restrictions imposed by the Unsolicited Goods and Services Act, on the trading activities of firms claiming to produce trade directories, are being bypassed by using registered addresses abroad in order to solicit subscriptions from the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. John FraserI have received complaints from United Kingdom firms and organisations about documents resembling invoices for entries in directories which have reached them from overseas, particularly from the Republic of Ireland and West Germany. Although these documents may contravene the United Kingdom unsolicited goods and services legislation, action cannot be taken against an offender who is outside the jurisdiction of our courts. If the hon. Member has any evidence as to these practices he may care to bring it to the attention of the Company Fraud Department, Metropolitan Police.
§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what action he proposes to take under the Unsolicited Goods and Services Act concerning invoices being distributed to United Kingdom businesses, inviting them to pay £125 for inclusion in a telex directory claimed to be produced by Campania Gmbh, POB 2962, D2000, Hamburg 20, West Germany.
§ Mr. John FraserNo action under this legislation is possible unless within six months of committing an offence the offender comes within the jurisdiction of United Kingdom courts. However, the Company Fraud Department, Scotland Yard, is in touch with its opposite numbers in West Germany who are investigating complaints drawn to their attention.