§ Mr. CaplinTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what further action is being taken to improve consumer protection in the funeral industry. [43476]
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsThe Director General of Fair Trading announced on 15 May that he is to instigate an inquiry into the 'at need' funeral industry. I very much welcome this initiative. I share his concern about any allegations of malpractice and aggressive selling techniques in the funerals industry and call upon the industry to raise standards of consumer service.
I am also urgently considering measures to ensure that consumers who purchase their funerals in advance are properly protected. My Department is in regular contact with interested parties.