Written question asked by Mark Oaten (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 13 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 March 2006. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Friday, 17 March 2006 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Vanity Publishing Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to regulate the vanity publishing industry.

Answer: [holding answer 16 March 2006]: While the Government have no plans to introduce legislation specific to vanity publishing, existing legislation offers protection in respect of abuses which may be associated with such publishing.The Trade Descriptions Act 1968 makes it an offence for traders knowingly or recklessly to make a false or misleading statement about the services they provide.Under the Misrepresentation Act 1967 a contract may be cancelled and damages claimed if an author enters into a contract as a result of misrepresentation.The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 requires traders to provide services with reasonable care and skill. Failure to do so would be a breach of contract which would allow damages to be sought in a civil court.

Secondary information