HC Deb 18 June 1990 vol 174 cc424-5W
Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce regulations to require that shops using bar code equipment to register the price of goods also ensure that the price is printed on the products; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Forth

I expect to introduce an order later this year under the Prices Act 1974 as amended implementing an EC directive requiring prices to be shown for goods on sale to private consumers. Having considered views expressed during consultations on the proposed order, my present intention is to allow traders the freedom to indicate prices on the goods themselves, on the shelf edge, or on notices, as they choose, provided that the indication is clear and legible.

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what advice his Department is giving retailers on the use of bar codes following the European Commission's directive.

Mr. Forth

I am not aware of any European Commission directive relating to bar coding.

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has sought the views of the National Consumer Council and the Consumers Association about the European Commission's directive on bar codes.

Mr. Forth

I am not aware of any such directive.

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what steps he proposes to take to ensure that bar code equipment manufactured or supplied in the United Kingdom is accurate in recording the price charged;

(2) what regulations he proposes to introduce to ensure that bar code equipment used in shops is free from errors in recording the price of items purchased.

Mr. Forth

A trader who gives a misleading price indication commits an offence under the Consumer Protection Act 1987. That and competition between suppliers should be sufficient to ensure that suitable equipment is used.