DOORSTEP SELLING

Early day motion 1629, tabled 8 September 2003 by Kerry Pollard (Labour). Signed by 46 members.

That this House condemns the practice of some companies involved in doorstep selling of delivering leaflets to potential customers to avoid consumer protection law; refutes the claim by the Department of Trade and Industry that customers telephoning to enquire about goods and services in response to a leaflet have had ample opportunity to compare prices and quality before a salesperson calls; believes that a cooling off period is essential for all customers to ensure that the elderly and vulnerable are not persuaded to purchase goods they cannot afford; note that legal protection is available to customers when the initial call is made by a salesperson either in person or on the telephone, but not when it is initiated by means of a leaflet; and calls on the Government to strengthen consumer protection law by allowing a cooling off period on sales contracts signed as a result of the customer responding to an unsolicited leaflet.

Signatures by party: Labour 31, Liberal Democrat 10, Labour/Co-operative 4, Independent Ulster Unionist 1.