§ Mr. Butcherasked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received in the last six months about misleading trade descriptions in relation to unsafe and substandard automotive parts of Taiwanese origin.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimAs my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport told the House on 14 January—[c. 618–19]—his officials have investigated the one recently reported case found to involve unsafe and substandard counterfeit automotive parts. He is, of course, prepared to look into any other cases which may come to his attention.
Misleading trade descriptions generally—which include false indications of fitness for purpose, strength and other physical characteristics, type approval and origin—are matters for local authority trading standards departments which have a statutory duty to enforce the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.
§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will take steps to prevent the import of spare motor car parts from Taiwan and Korea purporting to be copies of genuine parts but which are substandard and may constitute a danger to motorists.
§ Mr. Parkinson[pursuant to his reply, 6 March 1980, c. 287]: If I receive evidence of the import of such goods from any country strong representations will be made to those concerned in the country of origin. I understand that the Ministry of Transport is prepared to investigate cases that are brought to its attention and to consider what action can be taken.