Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if his Department will introduce an enforceable liability provision in legislation to ensure that consumers can seek redress for defective products bought via online marketplaces.

The UK’s product liability legislation has been in place since 1987. My department is undertaking a review of this legislation and, as part of the review, we will consider the range and types of products that should be in scope, given recent technological advancements. We will also consider the ways that modern supply chains operate, as well as the parties and the circumstances in which they should be held liable for any damages caused by defective products.

I will keep the House updated on the Government’s progress with this review and plans for engagement on this important area of law.