§ Mr. Mortonasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if he will make a statement on the progress of his discussion with the industry on the recommendations of the Price Commission in its report on intruder alarms.
§ Mr. MaclennanThe recommendations of the Price Commission report on548W intruder alarms have been the subject of extensive discussion with interested parties.
The principal recommendation, that there should be standard form of contract, has been discussed with the British Security Industry Association. I am pleased to be able to say that the association has agreed to prepare guidance for its members on the inclusion of a number of standard conditions in their contracts. I welcome this positive response to the report's recommendation, which will both allow measures of protection for potential users, while meeting the industry's needs to retain some flexibility to meet differing circumstances. I hope that the necessary consultations within the association's membership will be completed quickly.
Other recommendations in the report relating to competitive quotations, increased opportunities for outright purchase of alarm systems, and selection of a maintenance company other than the installer, have all been discussed with interested parties. As a result of the discussions, the British Insurance Association has issued guidelines to its members on specifications and maintenance.