P254 CEEFA( 254 Mon 17 Nov 21:22/42 1/4 ! "£ CONSUMER LJGISLATJON: "LIKE A SIEVE" Most consumers want their money back or a replacement if they have faulty goods says the National Consumer Council. The NCC has criticisjd the wording of The Sale of Goods Act which is open to lenient interpretation. Legislation must "e improved to protect consumers like Mr Leslie Bernstein who was awarded only £237.90 damages after his new car broke down after just three weeks and 142 miles, says the NCC MoreP254 CEEFAX 254 Mon 17 Nov 21:24/34 2/4 W ! "£ CONSUMER LJGISLATJON "LIKE A SIEVE" Consumer legislation "leaks like a sieve," says the National Consumer Council. Consumers often lose out bjcausj when they have a grievance they are "thrown on the mercy of the retailer", says the NCC's chairman. The principles governing the buzjr and seller relationship are based on legislation passed in the 1890's and the NCC looks forward to the introduction of the new Consumer Protection Bill. MoreP254 CEEFAX 254 Mon 17 Nov 21:21/14 3/4 Q W ! "£ NEW CONSUMER LEGISLATION The Consumer Protection Bill will impose a general duty on suppliers and importers to sell goods which are safe. The Bill would "tidy up the rag bag of Acts and Regulations" says the NCC. Consumers injured "y faulty goods will receive compjnsaton without having to prove negligence. The Bill, announced in the Queen's Speech, will also deal with misleading price indications, for example "Closing Down Sales" which go on for months or even years. MoreP254 CEEFAX 254 Mon 17 Nov 21:36/37 4/4 W ! "£ NEW CONSUMER LEGISLATION If consumers lose money bjcausj a firm jails to write a contract in plain English they should have the right to claim damages. The NCC and the Plain English Campaign is demanding legislation to cover standard contracts, ie credit contracts and tenancy agreements. If you have suffered loss "ecausj you signed a contract you didn't understand write to: The Plain English Campaign, Vernon House, Whaley Bridge, Stockpots SK12 7HP More