HC Deb 02 July 1984 vol 63 c18W
Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has any plans to seek to alter the basis of the Sale of Goods Act by changing the phrase "merchantable quality" to one more readily understood; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Fletcher

In response to a reference from the then Lord Chancellor in January 1979, the Law Commissions have this matter under consideration. They issued a consultation document on it in October 1983 — Law Commission Working Paper No. 85, Scottish Law Commission Memorandum No. 58—inviting comments by 31 March 1984. I am sure that the Law Commissions will take all responses to this document fully into account in preparing their advice. When the Law Commissions' report is received, the Government will give careful consideration to any recommendations in it on the phrase "merchantable quality".