§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what plans she has to amend(a) part III of the Fair Trading Act 1973 and (b) the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 to provide increased consumer protection against (i) unsolicited visits and (ii) high-pressure marketing techniques in the building and home improvement industry; [10557]
(2) if she will amend the regulations governing contracts concluded away from business premises to provide elderly and vulnerable consumers with increased protection against unsolicited visits and high-pressure marketing techniques in the building and home improvement industry. [10558]
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsWe are determined to see that these problems are addressed. We want to ensure that all the relevant legislation enables effective action to be taken against rogue traders who cause so much distress and financial hardship to consumers.
65WThe Consumer Protection (Contracts Concluded Away from Business Premises) Regulations 1987 and part III of the Fair Trading Act 1973 are particularly relevant where unsolicited visits and high pressure selling are involved. We will shortly be consulting on proposals to amend the 1987 regulations in order to strengthen the consumer protection that they provide. We also see a case for reforming part III. The Director General of Fair Trading has promised further detailed proposals on this shortly. When we have them, we shall consider them fully and consult widely. We shall also be working with my hon. Friend the Minister with responsibility for construction, who has a particular interest in the performance of the building industry.