HC Deb 02 December 1991 vol 200 cc12-3W
Mr. Cash

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy not to support the EC advertising directive.

Mr. Leigh

[holding answer 28 November 1991]: I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the proposal for an EC directive on comparative advertising. The Government support in principle the EC Commission's proposed directive to remove prohibitions and restrictions on comparative advertising provided the comparisons are factual, fair and honest. Such restrictive laws do not exist in the United Kingdom, but in some member states legislation on comparative advertising can restrict competition and deprive consumers of useful information.

Mr. Cash

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy not to support the direct selling directive in respect of its ban on selling by fax.

Mr. Leigh

[holding answer 28 November 1991]: I take it my hon. Friend has in mind the proposals for a Distance Selling Directive which were circulated to interested parties by the EC Commission earlier this year. These proposals would not ban selling by fax, but they would seriously restrict it. The Commission has consulted member states on its proposals, and we have made it clear we see no need for a directive in this area. The Commission has not yet formally submitted any proposals to the Council of Ministers.

Mr. Cash

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy not to support the proposed alcohol advertising directive.

Mr. Leigh

[holding answer 28 November 1991]: I am not aware of any EC proposal on alcohol advertising. However, it is the United Kingdom Government's view that advertising should, so far as possible, be subject to the self-regulatory system of control which works well in this country.