§ Brian WhiteTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to ensure that local authority trading standards departments take action against people selling counterfeit goods. [171108]
§ Ms HewittI have been asked to reply.
Counterfeit goods are a serious threat to consumers, industry and the economy as a whole. Last year we introduced a number of very effective measures to help business tackle counterfeiting. For example we removed 254W the restrictions on Customs passing information on counterfeit foods to Trading Standards Departments, and all Intellectual Property Right registration fees with Customs were abolished.
The priorities for local authority trading standards departments are not uniform and will vary according to local circumstances. The National Performance Framework for Trading Standards introduced by my department in consultation with other government departments and the service recognises the need to ensure local services have scope to determine how to create a fair and safe trading environment taking into account local circumstances and local consumer and business expectations. The work of Trading Standards in combating the problem of counterfeit goods will be part of this framework.
The Patent Office has also worked with the Trading Standards Institute to produce a new intellectual property module for the Diploma in Consumer Affairs. The Patent Office in conjunction with Trading Standards North West has developed an interactive CD package that guides trading standard's officers through the investigation process.