§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Trade when he expects to receive the report by the Office of Fair Trading on small builders and home improvements; what is the reason for the delay in publishing it; and when it was ready to be printed.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimThe Director General of Fair Trading has completed much of his preliminary work on consumer problems in the home improvements sector. I understand that he hopes to issue a discussion paper on this difficult area by the summer.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received regarding the closure of the Office of Fair Trading in Scotland; if he will take steps to retain this service in Scotland, in view of the protection it provides for the consumer; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will direct the Office of Fair Trading to keep open its Scottish office in Edinburgh; and what criteria were used by the office to justify the closure in Scotland, where a separate legal and commercial system operates.
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§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimMy right hon. Friend has received a small number of representations about closure of the Edinburgh office. As the internal organisation of the office's resources is a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading, such representations should be addressed to him. He has assured me that the interests of consumers in Scotland will continue to be safeguarded.