(a) Explain five reasons why consumers need protection.
(b) Mention any five government legislation aimed at protecting the consumer.
Explanation
(a) Reasons for consumer protection are:
(i) Incorrect weight and measures of goods offered for sale: Some goods are offered for sale without sellers considering the prescribed weight or quantity e.g petrol and grains.
(ii) Misleading advertisement: Many claims made by advertisers about the performance of their products are not correct Such false adverts are deceptive.
(iii) Unreasonable high prices: Prices of certain goods are so high that it may be impossible to buy such items.
(iv) Sub-standard goods: Some goods are produced without taking into consideration the quality desired.
(v) Credit purchase agreement: Consumers are often not well informed about the details of such agreement.
(vi) Sales of harmful food and drugs: Consumers need protection to ensure that goods offered for sale do not contain dangerous chemicals or damaging side effects.
(b) Government legislation aimed at protecting the consumers are:
(i) Weight and Measures Act helps to prevent the use of incorrect weight and measures.
(ii) The Trade Description Act is aimed at checking misleading advertising.
(iii) Hire Purchase Act is aimed at protecting the rights of the consumers.
(iv) Price Control Act is aimed at controlling prices.
(v) Standard Organization Acts.
(vi) Foods and Drugs Act protects consumers against harmful goods.
(vii) Sales of Goods Act of 1893.
(viii) Consumer Credit Act of 1974.