(a) advise persons in relation to the provisions of
this Act, and of any other legislation administered by the Minister, and take
action for remedying infringements of, or for securing compliance with, those
provisions, whether on complaint or otherwise,
(b) make available to
consumers, and persons dealing with consumers, general information with
respect to--
(i) this Act and other legislation administered by the Minister,
and
(c) receive
complaints from persons on matters (including fraudulent or unfair practices)
relating to the supply of goods or services, or the acquisition of interests
in land, and deal with any such complaint (whether or not under paragraph (d))
in such manner as the Secretary considers to be appropriate,
(d) investigate
the matter the subject of a complaint received under paragraph (c) or refer
the complaint to a public authority, or any other body, that the Secretary
considers to be best able to take action, or provide advice, in relation to
the complaint, and
(e) make known, for the guidance of consumers and persons
dealing with consumers, the rights and obligations arising under laws relating
to the interests of consumers.
(a) keep under
critical examination, and from time to time report to the Minister on, the
laws in force, and other matters, relating to the interests of consumers, and
(b) report to the Minister on matters relating to the interests of consumers
that are referred to the Secretary by the Minister,
and, for those purposes,
may conduct research and make investigations.
(3) Where a complaint is
received under subsection (1) (c), the Secretary may--
(a) investigate the
complaint even if it has been referred to a public authority or to another
body, or
(b) refer the complaint to a public authority, or any other body,
even if an investigation of the matter has been commenced or completed by the
Secretary.
(4) The Secretary is to have regard, in carrying out his or her
functions under this Act, to the need for communication, co-operation and
co-ordination in relation to relevant co-operative legislative schemes.