§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to curb misleading environmental advertising.
§ Mr. LeighAll misleading advertising, whether environmental or otherwise, is subject to the general provisions of the advertising industry's voluntary codes of practice and the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988. In addition to these self-regulatory and statutory controls, a guidance booklet on environmental claims is currently being drawn up by the Advertising Standards Authority, the Independent Television Commission, the Radio Authority with the support of the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers and in consultation with this Department. It is intended that this new booklet be given wide circulation to ensure that the guidelines on environmental advertising are followed.
36WGenerally, false and misleading claims about traded goods are also prohibited by the Trade Descriptions Act 1968. A number of prosecutions in relation to misleading environmental claims have been successfully brought under the Act.