§ Ross CranstonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what guidance and training has been given to trading standards officers to enable them to implement Stop Now Orders; and if she will make a statement; [12989]
(2) how many Stop Now Orders have been issued since June; and if she will make a statement; [12987]
(3) what extra resources have been given to local authorities to enable trading standards departments to implement Stop Now Orders; and if she will make a statement. [12988]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonStop Now Orders require traders to cease conduct which is contrary to a wide range of consumer protection legislation and harms the collective interests of consumers. The Orders were introduced in June of this year.
Two local authorities have secured written undertakings under the regulations, and other cases are under consideration.
DTI has agreed with the Department for Transport. Local Government and the Regions, the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales a transfer of resources to cover the additional costs associated with the enforcement of the Stop Now Order Regulations.
DTI has also funded a series of seminars to train trading standards officers in the legal and administrative requirements of the regulations. Six events were held across the country during September and October.