Fair Trading Act 1987

The Secretary may—

advise persons in relation to the provisions of this Act, and of any other legislation administered by the Minister, and take action for remedying infringements of, or for securing compliance with, those provisions, whether on complaint or otherwise,

make available to consumers, and persons dealing with consumers, general information with respect to—

this Act and other legislation administered by the Minister, and

matters affecting the interests of consumers,

receive complaints from persons on matters (including fraudulent or unfair practices) relating to the supply of goods or services, or the acquisition of interests in land, and deal with any such complaint (whether or not under paragraph (d)) in such manner as the Secretary considers to be appropriate,

investigate the matter the subject of a complaint received under paragraph (c) or refer the complaint to a public authority, or any other body, that the Secretary considers to be best able to take action, or provide advice, in relation to the complaint, and

make known, for the guidance of consumers and persons dealing with consumers, the rights and obligations arising under laws relating to the interests of consumers.

The Secretary shall—

keep under critical examination, and from time to time report to the Minister on, the laws in force, and other matters, relating to the interests of consumers, and

report to the Minister on matters relating to the interests of consumers that are referred to the Secretary by the Minister,

Where a complaint is received under subsection (1) (c), the Secretary may—

investigate the complaint even if it has been referred to a public authority or to another body, or

refer the complaint to a public authority, or any other body, even if an investigation of the matter has been commenced or completed by the Secretary.

The Secretary is to have regard, in carrying out his or her functions under this Act, to the need for communication, co-operation and co-ordination in relation to relevant co-operative legislative schemes.