ZAGREB, May 15 (Hina) - By adopting a government-sponsored bill on consumer protection Croatia will accept positive European guidelines, especially in the area of public services whose prices must be acceptable also to socially
underprivileged citizens, Economy Minister Ljubo Jurcic said in parliament on Thursday.
ZAGREB, May 15 (Hina) - By adopting a government-sponsored bill on
consumer protection Croatia will accept positive European
guidelines, especially in the area of public services whose prices
must be acceptable also to socially underprivileged citizens,
Economy Minister Ljubo Jurcic said in parliament on Thursday. #L#
Presenting the final bill on consumer protection, Jurcic
said that public services which were charged included power, gas,
public transport, waste disposal, sewerage and phone.
Competent bodies of local administration and self-government would
have to create conditions for market competition in the area of
public services and charge those services in a socially acceptable
way, according to the actual consumption and in line with the tariff
system, Jurcic said.
The same refers to bodies which grant concessions for the provision
of public services - their prices must be affordable also to
underprivileged citizens.
Traders would have to be more responsible towards customers and
regularly issue bills, as well as provide correct and full
information on their services.
The bill also envisages the establishment of a service employing
experts who will provide advice to customers. The service would be
financed from the budget.
Under the bill, associations for consumer protection would be
responsible for informing consumers, inspecting products on the
market and making their inspection findings public, as well as
providing support to wronged customers.
The support would also include councils acting as mediators in the
out-of-court settlement of disputes between customers and
traders.
(hina) rml sb