HC Deb 27 February 2002 vol 380 c1305W
Mr. Lazarowicz

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to take action to deal with bogus billing for entries in business directories. [36387]

Miss Melanie Johnson

Companies are already afforded protection under the Unsolicited Goods and Services Act 1971 and the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988.

Trading Standards and the Office of Fair Trading take enforcement action against bogus billing (in conjunction with their counterparts overseas, where necessary).

For example, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has investigated complaints about the European City Guide and this has led to the cancellation of some 400 contested invoices. The OFT is also pursuing complaints about the tour and travel guide with the relevant authorities in Liechtenstein.