§ Mr. Alex Carlileasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he has any proposals for the removal of trading standards officers and their delegated functions from local authority control; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudeThere are no plans to remove trading standards officers and their delegated functions from local authority control. Local enforcement enables trading standards officers to respond quickly to the public, to take immediate action and to provide for the particular needs of local industry. There is no evidence that this can be achieved more efficiently or economically.