§ Mr. LeighTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what consultative procedures are followed when taking action under section 11(5) of the Consumer Protection Act 1987; and if he will publish any guidelines on how businesses likely to be affected by proposed regulations are consulted.
§ Mr. ButcherAbout 80 organisations are consulted on safety regulations covering consumer products. These include chambers of commerce, the associations representing wholesalers, retailers, importers, manufacturers, independent businesses and mail order houses as well as local authorities, enforcement bodies, consumer groups, the British Standards Institution and the Health and Safety Commission. Copies of draft regulations are deposited in the House of Commons and House of Lords Libraries. To this general list are added trade associations and other organisations representing those directly concerned with the particular regulations. I am confident that all reasonable steps are taken to consult all those with an interest and I do not consider it necessary to issue any further guidelines.