§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received from 16W members of the public regarding telephone selling techniques towards potential customers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardDuring the last three months my predecessor and I have received 10 complaints from the public about telephone selling, mainly from people who object in principle to being approached in this way.
The Director General of Fair Trading published a report on this subject in October 1984 and has been encouraging the trade to adopt a set of new guidelines for its promotional activities. British Telecom is including these guidelines in telephone directories. The trade associations with whom this has been discussed so far have agreed to follow these guidelines. I agree with the Director General that self regulation by the trade remains the appropriate course.