Patricia Hewitt has set out plans for tougher action against dishonest door-to-door salesmen.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Consumers' Association on Wednesday, the trade and industry secretary published a consultation document on protecting the public.

She said she wanted to create a generation of "super consumers" who will stand up to malpractice.

The document also floated the idea of a ban on cold calling for all property services and a seven-day cooling off period after the signing of contracts.

Hewitt insisted that decent salesman had nothing to fear.

"There are legitimate companies who conduct business by means of cold calling and doorstep selling," she said.

"But there is no doubt that there are unscrupulous traders who take advantage of consumers and target the vulnerable and we are determined to tackle this."

The Cabinet minister promised that consumer law would be driven by the need to protect vulnerable customers in future Labour terms of office.

Beefing up legislation and empowering the public was is also good for business, she argued.

"Confident, well-informed consumers are good for business and help stimulate a more competitive and innovative economy," she said.

"But surveys show that, when consumers complain and get an unsatisfactory response, 85 per cent take no further action. This is bad news for consumers and business."