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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals after covid-19 restrictions are lifted on ensuring that auction houses offer both (a) in-person and (b) virtual auctions to ensure that they are adhering to non-consumer sale standards.

Auction houses must comply with relevant consumer protection law when their activities fall within its scope, and whether these involve in-person or virtual auctions is a matter for the auction house. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute and Citizens Advice provide free advice and information on consumer rights.