HC Deb 22 July 1996 vol 282 cc33-4W
Mr. Dafis

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will introduce legislation to replace the Advertising Standards Authority with a statutory body. [37754]

Mr. John M. Taylor

No. The Advertising Standards Authority was established to supervise the advertising code of practice. Self-regulation backed by the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988 works well and is the most effective way to protect consumers against misleading and offensive advertising.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what procedures are available to people who wish to make complaints about decisions made by the Advertising Standards Authority. [37783]

Mr. Taylor

Anyone who wants to complain about a decision made by the Advertising Standards Authority can apply in the first instance to the independent chairman, Lord Rodgers of Quarry Bank, for a review of that decision. They can also refer their complaint to the Director General of Fair Trading.