§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what powers the trading standards officers have to regulate the provision of services; and if he will make a statement. [89661]
§ Dr. HowellsTrading standards officers have powers to regulate the provision of services in a variety of sectors and transactions under existing consumer protection legislation. These cover services provided through retail outlets i.e. price marking legislation, legislation with respect to package travel etc. They are also responsible for monitoring the provision of services and transactions300W which may take place outside the retail environment—i.e. the Trade Descriptions Act, the provision of consumer credit, doorstep selling, time share schemes etc.