Written question asked by Linda Perham (Labour) on Thursday, 6 December 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 December 2001. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 December 2001 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what steps she has taken to protect consumers from unscrupulous traders on the internet.

Answer: Linda Perham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she has taken to protect consumers from unscrupulous traders on the internet. [22297] Miss Melanie Johnson: We are providing protection through codes of practice, dispute resolution and clear information for on-line shoppers. In November I launched a Safe Internet Shopping Campaign together with the Minister for E-Commerce and Competitiveness. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about e-shopping and demonstrate that it is safe as long as shoppers follow basic, common-sense guidelines. Existing consumer protection legislation (the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and distance selling regulations) do protect consumers from credit card fraud and give them a cooling-off period in respect of most contracts. DTI is working with business and consumer organisations to deliver straightforward guidance, and to provide access to more comprehensive information about the full range of concerns through DTI's Consumer Gateway website.

Secondary information