More Powers To Tackle Junk Mail Needed - Davey

6.35.12pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 9th Oct 2006

Liberal Democrat Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary, Edward Davey MP

Liberal Democrat Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary, Edward Davey MP, has called for more powers to tackle the growing level of junk mail, which is causing a growth in landfill.

He was responding to Royal Mail's plans to remove the limit of unaddressed junk mail it delivers.

He said: "The LGA are right to highlight the issue of unaddressed mail and the increasingly damaging impact it has on the environment.

"A level playing field between Royal Mail and the other direct mail providers must be created.

"The Mail Preference Service does not have the necessary teeth to take action against wrongdoers and is unable to deal with unaddressed junk mail. MPS must be given more powers to take action on this growing problem for consumers."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Mail Preference Service (MPS) enables consumers to have their names removed from up to 95% of direct mailing lists but does not cover unaddressed mail, mail addressed to "the occupier" and junk mail sent from overseas.

MPS has little power to sanction companies that break its rules. It can contact companies in breach of the MPS code, otherwise it can refer companies to the Advertising Standards Authority for further action if appropriate.