HC Deb 15 March 1989 vol 149 cc265-6W
51. Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he has any plans to increase the rights of consumers.

56. Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if his Department plans any new initiatives in consumer protection; and if he will make a statement.

66. Mr. Dunnachie

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he has plans to bring forward legislation affecting consumer rights.

Mr. Forth

We plan to introduce regulations under part III of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 (which came into force on 1 March) governing price indications at bureaux de change and the resale of electricity and gas by landlords. Proposals will shortly be made to implement two EC directives which require the selling and, where appropriate, the unit prices of foodstuffs and non-food products to be displayed.

We intend to amend the law on the sale and supply of goods following the Law Commissions' report and plan to amend the Consumer Credit Act and related legislation as set out in the recent White Paper "Releasing Enterprise" (CM512). We shall also introduce revised regulations on pyramid selling.

55. Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he last met representatives of the principal consumer bodies; and what was the content of the discussions.

Mr. Forth

I visited the Welsh Consumer Council on 27 October 1988, the Consumers Association on 6 February 1989 and the National Consumer Council on 7 March 1989. On each occasion a number of current issues relevant to consumers were discussed. I also intend to visit the Scottish Consumer Council on 19 May.

Over the past six months I have also met the chairman of the National Industry Consumer/Consultative Councils to discuss matters within their areas of interest.