§ Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Trade what further action is proposed to increase the protection of the consumer and to improve information in the field of consumer education.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimThe record of this Government shows that we have already taken a number of important steps to protect the consumer in various ways. Indeed, we have introduced measures on a wide range of consumer issues. I am proposing a number of future measures which include new safety regulations on hazardous domestic chemical products, VAT inclusive pricing, further regulations under the Consumer Credit Act, and steps to reinforce competition.
In addition the Director-General of Fair Trading is monitoring and keeping under review the behaviour of certain sectors which have given cause for concern, I shall take any additional action that proves necessary and practical.
On the question of consumer education I have recently published a consumer education pack for schools which has been extremely well received. It has been circulated to secondary schools and we have had requests for a further 3,050 copies from schools and the general public. To meet this demand, the pack is to be reprinted and we are now considering offering copies for sale to members of the public.