§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer 707W Protection if he will study and take steps to curb the mass dissemination of unsolicited literature which could convey to many recipients that they have won or have a worthwhile chance of winning sizeable prizes in commercial competitions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John Fraser:I have no knowledge of such prize draws other than those run by mail order publishers. The Code of Practice of the Mail Order Publishers' Authority forbids the raising of unjustified expectations regarding prizes, Regrettably not all companies in this area subscribe to the code. If, however, my hon. Friend has any evidence that the provisions of the code are being disregarded, either by members or nonmembers, I will gladly draw it to the attention of the relevant authorities and, if appropriate, ask that the code be strengthened or efforts be stepped up to persuade a firm to subscribe.