§ Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will ask the Director General of Fair Trading to investigate the misleading practice by firms of advertising extensively on items such as television sets promising delivery within four to six weeks, but failing to carry out their promise of such early delivery after having taken the orders and deposits for the goods.
§ Mr. Sally OppenheimNo. the Director General of Fair Trading already has powers under the Fair Trading Act 1973 to act against traders persisting in courses of conduct which are detrimental to consumers. Furthemore, intending buyers may take action under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 against sellers who fail to deliver goods.
Consumers also have additional protection under certain voluntary codes of practice. The Advertising Standards Authority's British code of advertising practice contains detailed provisions regarding the delivery of advertised mail order goods, and the Independent Broadcasting Authority's code of advertising standards and practices requires advertisers to give an undertaking that money will be refunded in full to buyers who can show justifiable cause for dissatisfaction with delays in delivery.