Written question asked by Helen Jones (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 October 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 November 1997. It was answered by Nigel Griffiths (Labour) on Thursday, 6 November 1997 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the President of the Board of Trade, if she intends to review the current law in respect of the use of minors by Trading Standards officers to make test purchases of items which should not legally be sold to them.

Answer: Helen Jones: To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she intends to review the current law in respect of the use of minors by trading standards officers to make test purchases of items which should not legally be sold to them; and if she will make a statement. [14317] Mr. Nigel Griffiths: [holding answer 5 November 1997]: Since local authorities, for whom trading standards officers work, already have the necessary powers to make test purchases and use minors where appropriate, I have no plans at present to review the current legislation for which I am responsible in this respect. However, I am aware by virtue of my participation in the Ministerial Group on Alcopops that my colleagues at the Home Office are working towards clarifying the law on the use of children in relation to test purchases of alcohol.

Secondary information