Oral Answers to Questions

Edward Argar Excerpts

Tuesday 1st May 2018 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Edward Argar (Charnwood) (Con)]

1. What steps he is taking to ensure that markets work in the interests of consumers.

[Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con)]

6. What steps he is taking to ensure that the industrial strategy benefits consumers through increased competition.

[The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Greg Clark)]

The industrial strategy makes it clear that a competitive UK economy in which firms compete on price, service and innovation is one that serves consumers best. Our recently published Green Paper, “Modernising Consumer Markets”, sets out proposals to ensure that consumers benefit from new technologies and, in particular, that consumers’ data must be used to benefit them and not to act unfairly against them.

[Edward Argar]

I welcome that response. In ensuring that markets work for consumers, it is important that they work for vulnerable consumers, including those with mental health issues or dementia. Will my right hon. Friend enlarge on what he is doing to ensure that the markets work for those sorts of consumers?

[Greg Clark]

It is important that providers of services take into account the struggles of people suffering from mental ill health or dementia. The Green Paper sets out proposals requiring that minimum standards be applied, especially for utilities. In that regard, I applaud the work of the Alzheimer’s Society, which has launched the dementia-friendly utility guide, in which several companies are participating. That will help to make sure that people who deal with vulnerable consumers can assist them with bills, booking appointments and suchlike.