§ Brian CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many complaints have been received by the Office of Fair Trading in relation to(a) business to business and (b) business to consumer scams in each of the last five years. [179261]
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§ Mr. SutcliffeThe information requested is not readily available. I have asked the Chairman of the Office of Fair Trading to write to the hon. Member to give a fuller answer.
§ Brian CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action her Department has taken against rogue businesses that are operating business to business frauds. [179262]
§ Mr. Sutcliffe[holding answer 17 June 2004]: As a consumer protection enforcement body, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has investigated certain business to business scams operating in the UK and, with overseas counterparts in the International Consumer Protection Enforcement Network (ICPEN), scams targeting UK business from overseas. Examples include the Spanish European City Guide and bogus requests to register under the Data Protection Act. It is currently working with the Health and Safety Executive on bogus requests to register under the Health and Safety Act.
§ Brian CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether Stop Now orders can be used against rogue companies that are operating frauds specifically aimed at other businesses. [179264]
§ Mr. Sutcliffe[holding answer 17 June 2004]: An Enforcement Order under Part 8 of the Enterprise Act 2002 can only be sought against a business that harms the collective interest of consumers.
An Order cannot be sought where there is detriment from business to another business.