§ Brian CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how the Mark of Marks scheme will improve the quality of service in the domestic sector; [172466]
(2) what the required criteria are for the Mark of Marks trade mark; and what role trade associations play in the scheme; [172467]
(3) when the Mark of Marks scheme for the construction industry was established; what trades are involved in it; and what the level of take-up has been. [172469]
§ Nigel GriffithsThe Mark of Marks concept was developed under the Quality Mark umbrella in early 2003 to promote alignment of the membership requirements of the more reputable trade bodies and other organisations with Quality Mark. The scheme reflects the growing shift within the construction industry to embrace the quality ethos and promote better service to clients. The aim is to secure larger volumes of trades people by allowing members of industry bodies within Mark of Marks to be badged to consumers.
Mark of Marks envisages flexibility in how standards are delivered and consumers protected. Industry bodies have a key role to play in ensuring delivery of quality to consumers. We have been discussing this concept with industry bodies and organisations in a range of sectors have expressed interest, including the gas, heating and ventilating, plumbing, roofing, general building, damp-proofing, glazing, paving and electrical sectors.