Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if his Department will take steps to encourage local communities to set up no cold calling zones.

The Government is aware that doorstep selling can be regarded as a nuisance but it is a legitimate form of trading, provided all the legislation regulating the practice is observed.

The Government has no plans to regulate further in this area; the unfair trading or criminal activities of rogue traders are already subject to consumer protection and other criminal statues, and the enforcement authorities have adequate powers to see that the law is applied where there is evidence of wrong-doing.

The need or case for setting up No Cold Calling Zones is a local matter.