§ Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to regulate the use of fax surveys in cases where replies are charged at premium rates; and if he will make a statement. [83899]
§ Mr. WillsFax surveys where replies are charged at premium rates will frequently constitute unsolicited direct marketing faxes.
As indicated in my written answer of 27 January 1999, Official Report, column 284, the Government have taken steps to address this issue through the Telecommunications (Data Protection and Privacy) (Direct Marketing) Regulations 1998, which came into force on 1 May this year.
The Regulations prohibit the sending of unsolicited direct marketing faxes to private individuals and sole traders in the UK, as well as to partnerships in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Regulations also establish an "opt-out" scheme for corporate subscribers who do not wish to receive such faxes. The Office of Telecommunications (Oftel) is responsible for setting up the opt-out scheme and has appointed the Direct Marketing Association to run the scheme following competitive tender.
In addition, where unsolicited direct marketing faxes are sent, the Regulations require those sending such faxes to include their name and either an address or Freephone telephone number on which they can be contacted.