asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he is satisfied with the present lack of protection for third parties under the Sale of Goods Act; and, if not, whether he is considering legislation to provide remedies in such cases.

I am considering the draft European Community directive on liability for defective products which would make the producer liable for damage caused by defective goods.I am not considering any other changes in the law in this field since the Law Commission recommended that the law of contract should not be extended to give third parties contractual rights against suppliers of goods.