§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will introduce regulations requiring the providers of mobile telephone-related services to obtain documentary proof of purchase, ownership and identity from clients before taking the item into their temporary possession. [141871]
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will introduce regulations for the purchase of second-hand mobile telephones placing the onus upon the buyer to obtain documentary proof of purchase, ownership and identity from the seller. [141872]
§ Mr. TimmsThe Government have no plans to do so. Measures already taken by the Mobile Network Operators mean that stolen phones can be blocked. When blocked, they have no resale value. Together with my hon. Friend the Minister of State for crime reduction, policing and community safety, I am in regular discussion with the Mobile Industry Crime Action Forum—which brings together mobile phone networks, manufacturers and retailers—on reducing mobile phone crime.