Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of consumer protection legislation in relation to theatre ticket purchases where a production is advertised using the name, image and profile of a specific performer; and if he will take steps to ensure that consumers are entitled to (a) advance notification, (b) refunds and (c) compensation where that performer is unable to appear.

Consumers are protected by a strong framework of consumer legislation. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, services must be provided as described and consumers may be entitled to remedies where this is not the case. Whether consumers are entitled to advance notification, or other remedies will depend on the circumstances, for example how the performance was advertised.

Consumers can seek free information on their rights through the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 or through its website.