§ 43. Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will consider introducing legislation to extend the time limit for prosecuting sellers of dangerous goods.
§ 45. Mr. SnapeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will consider introducing legislation to extend the time limit for prosecuting sellers of dangerous goods.
§ 117. Mr. SoleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will consider introducing legislation to extend the time limit for prosecuting sellers of dangerous goods.
§ Mr. ForthWhen the Consumer Protection Act 1987 passed through the House there was no concern expressed about the time limit of six months in respect of prosecutions for a breach of general safety requirement. If there is substantial evidence that this time limit is now leading to proceedings being frustrated I am prepared to consider what might be done to help the enforcement authorities.
§ 66. Mr. TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further steps he is taking to strengthen legislation against sellers of dangerous goods.
§ Mr. ForthThe introduction of the general safety requirement in part II of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 means that it is now a criminal offence to sell any consumer product that is not reasonably safe. This is supported by specific regulations and by a range of enforcement powers that enable action to be taken effectively and swiftly against unsafe consumer goods. I see no justification for further legislation in this area.
Insolvencies—England and Wales Individuals Companies Total Bankruptcy orders Individual voluntary arrangements Deeds of arrangement Total Compulsory liquidations Creditors' voluntary liquidations 1989 1st quarter 2,224 1,972 251 1 2,567 854 1,713 2nd quarter 2,418 2,103 315 0 2,814 1,103 1,711 3rd quarter 2,159 1,837 321 1 2,027 548 1,479 4th quarter 2,565 2,226 337 2 3,047 1,515 1,532 1990 1st quarter 2,942 2,514 427 1 3,339 1,267 2,072
Insolvencies—Scotland Individuals Sequestrations Total Companies Compulsory liquidations Creditors' voluntary liquidations 1989 1st quarter 445 121 67 54 2nd quarter 659 99 60 39 3rd quarter 563 143 87 56 4th quarter 634 95 45 50