Last week, I wrote about how I was backing a Which campaign
- Calling Time on Nuisance Calls and Texts. (Time to call time http://clivebettsmp.blogspot.co.uk/)
Of course, the only problem about speaking out like this is
that lots of people contact you to say that they are also infuriated by
nuisance calls and texts and that they want me to do something about it
immediately. As we don’t live in a dictatorship with me in control, that isn’t
possible.
Even if the current government could be persuaded to act, it
would still take time to change the law and implement new regulations. And,
it’s worth remembering that the current government is instinctively against
what it describes as ‘red tape’. It thinks that ‘the market knows
best’. So, for example, if you don’t want nuisance calls, don’t answer the
phone.
Fortunately, there is now a sufficient number of MPs, across
the political spectrum, who are persuaded that – whatever their personal views
– their constituents are being driven mad by nuisance calls and texts and they
expect their elected representatives to do something about it.
So, I’m delighted that The
Culture, Media and Sport Committee of the House of Commons is planning to hold an inquiry into Nuisance
Telephone Calls and Text Messages.The Committee recognises that OFCOM and the Information Commissioner's Office both have regulatory and enforcement responsibilities. Further, the Telephone Preference Service allows individuals to have their telephone number removed from relevant marketing lists. But, we all know it isn’t working.
The Committee has now invited written evidence from those who wish to contribute to the inquiry. This means YOU! Tell them what you think.
Make your short written submission in Word format, put "Nuisance Calls" in the subject line and send it to cmsev@parliament.uk by Thursday 15 August 2013.
