Written question asked by Helen Jones (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 February 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 February 1998. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 February 1998 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what plans she has to regulate door to door selling by gas suppliers. - Includes ref to Consumer Protection (Cancellation of Contracts Concluded away from Business Premises) Regulations 1987.

Answer: Helen Jones: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to regulate door to door selling by gas suppliers. [29602] Mr. Battle: [holding answer 16 February 1998]: During meetings with the Director General of Gas Supply, I expressed my concerns over the misleading marketing techniques adopted by some gas suppliers. At the end of January the Office of Gas Supply introduced a new licence condition to regulate such activities. My Department will consult in the near future on possible modifications to strengthen the Consumer Protection (Cancellation of Contracts Concluded away from Business Premises) Regulations 1987. Both of these initiatives should enhance consumer protection with regard to doorstep selling.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 29602; 306 c661W;306 c659W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Consumers Direct selling Licensing Protection Natural gas Office of Gas Supply Utilities