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Written Question
Whirlpool Corporation: Washing Machines
Thursday 9th January 2020

Asked by: Andy Slaughter (Labour - Hammersmith and Chiswick)

Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when Whirlpool first notified the Office for Product Safety and Standards of (a) the safety fault with its machines and (b) its intention to recall over 500,000 affected appliances, announced on 17 December 2019; what targets the Office for Product Safety and Standards has set Whirlpool for carrying out the recall of its washing machines; what quality assurance the Office for Product Safety and Standards has carried out on the modification that Whirlpool is proposing to offer to consumers as part the recall; and how long the Office for Product Safety and Standards expects affected Whirlpool customers will have to wait to have their at-risk washing machines repaired or replaced following the recall.

Answered by Kelly Tolhurst

Whirlpool informed the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) in October 2019 that it was investigating a potential issue with door locks on some models of washing machine. OPSS required the company to provide detailed data on this issue in order to have clarity on the nature and scale of the problem and to identify the appropriate response to protect public safety. Following assessment of the issue, it was agreed that a full recall should be instigated and the recall programme was announced on 17 December 2019.

OPSS is acting to ensure the company conducts an effective recall with a process that is as quick and easy for consumers as possible. OPSS is monitoring Whirlpool’s actions closely and will hold the company to account. Data on the recall, including on the time taken for customers to receive a remedy will be published by OPSS.

In order to include a modification as part of an appropriate response, a manufacturer must provide scientific and technical evidence that the modification addresses the problem identified; that those undertaking the modification have received full training on applying the modification; and that there is a robust quality assurance process in place for each modification.

Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 16 Jul 2019
Oral Answers to Questions

"The Government have known for four years that there were 5.5 million Whirlpool tumble dryers in homes across the UK that were liable to catch fire. Last month, the Minister gave notice that she intended to order the recall of those dryers still in use, but now she has agreed …..."
Andy Slaughter - View Speech

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Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 17 Jun 2019
Recall of Tumble Dryers

" (Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy if he will make a statement on his decision to recall 500,000 unsafe tumble dryers manufactured by Whirlpool UK...."
Andy Slaughter - View Speech

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Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 17 Jun 2019
Recall of Tumble Dryers

"I thank the Minister for her response, although, given the lack of action by Whirlpool, and indeed the Government, over a four-year period, there are many questions to be asked. If they cannot all be answered today, I would be grateful if she could write to me and perhaps meet …..."
Andy Slaughter - View Speech

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Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 12 Jun 2019
Points of Order

"On a point of order, Mr Speaker. In a brief answer in Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy topical questions yesterday, the Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the hon. Member for Rochester and Strood (Kelly Tolhurst), who, helpfully, is on the Treasury Bench, announced that she intended …..."
Andy Slaughter - View Speech

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Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 12 Jun 2019
Points of Order

"indicated dissent...."
Andy Slaughter - View Speech

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Speech in Westminster Hall - Thu 25 Apr 2019
Post Office Network

"I am more cynical than my hon. Friend the Member for Ogmore (Chris Elmore); I have had a temporary closure that has lasted four years and I have four temporary closures. The Post Office knows that permanent closures get a lot of opposition, so temporary closures and downgrading Crown post …..."
Andy Slaughter - View Speech

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Speech in Westminster Hall - Thu 10 Jan 2019
Crown Post Offices: Franchising

"It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Graham...."
Andy Slaughter - View Speech

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Speech in Westminster Hall - Thu 10 Jan 2019
Crown Post Offices: Franchising

"I will, but in my own manner and style. [Interruption.] Do not worry, there is no risk of passion. It is good to see you in the Chair, Sir Graham. We have not quite had 48 Members talking about posting letters today, but I hope you feel at …..."
Andy Slaughter - View Speech

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Written Question
Whirlpool Corporation: Tumble Dryers
Tuesday 8th January 2019

Asked by: Andy Slaughter (Labour - Hammersmith and Chiswick)

Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate the Office for Product Safety and Standards has made of the number of modifications that Whirlpool has made to the dryers referenced in its November 2015 safety announcement to date.

Answered by Kelly Tolhurst

The Office for Product Safety and Standards is undertaking a review of the actions taken by Whirlpool in relation to its modification programme and we will report to the House in due course.