Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how his Department is supporting manufacturers to improve their performance on the recall of electrical appliances.

Manufactures and importers are responsible for taking corrective action, including recall, on products they have placed on the market which subsequently turn out to be defective. They have a duty to advise the relevant enforcement authority: either Trading Standards or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The enforcement authority provides assistance on the appropriate corrective action and can, if required, direct the specific course of action to be taken. This Department supports both Trading Standards and HSE in their duties. This Department also contributes to EU best practice guidance in this area and is working with interested parties to consider options for improving the effectiveness of product recalls.