The Government is determined to build a more prosperous, modern Britain. A Britain in which the benefits of new technology and open markets are widely shared.

The previous Government had a narrow view of how to promote prosperity and no concern about how widely it was shared. It failed to recognise the reality about modern, successful economies: that business needs well-informed consumers, confident in modern markets, and consumers need competitive, innovative businesses.

This White Paper puts consumers centre stage. It recognises for the first time that confident, demanding consumers are good for business. They promote innovation and stimulate better value and in return they get better products at lower prices.

The Government is committed to making markets work but a laissez-faire approach is neither right nor sufficient. We must protect and help the socially excluded. We must legislate to clamp down swiftly on rogues who prey on consumers, particularly the most vulnerable in our society. And we will not leave anyone exposed to unsafe products. But it does consumers no good to have out-of-date unsuccessful regulation. We will therefore rid business of burdens that prevent innovation and no longer serve the consumer well.

This White Paper has been drawn up in the closest consultation with consumer organisations, business and local authorities. That is how policy should be made. It is also how it should be implemented. DTI will continue to work in partnership with these organisations and ensure that our agenda is properly resourced.

We are all consumers. We all depend on the wealth generated by business. This White Paper will produce tangible benefits to both.