Occasional Sales Bill [Failed Bill 2005/06 session]

Introduced by John Whittingdale (Con, Maldon and Chelmsford East) after coming fourteenth in the ballot, the Occasional Sales Bill will make it much harder for illegal trade to take place at occasional market events such as car boot sales. Trading Standards will be given greater powers to prosecute organisers who continually allow illegal or fake goods to be sold.

This builds on legislation introduced in Kent in 2001, which saw an influx of illegal traders into neighbouring areas. By introducing national legislation, Whittingdale hopes the problem will not simply be displaced to other areas and local markets and car boot sales will be able to continue in safety.

House of Commons

First reading: June 22 2005 (HC Bill 27)

Bill dropped