THE Government has confirmed a crackdown on dodgy doorstep salesmen - as revealed in yesterday's Northern Echo.

Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt said consumers will be at the heart of Government consumer law for the next decade.

Addressing the Consumers' Association, in London, she said: ''There are legitimate companies who conduct business by means of cold-calling and doorstep selling.

''But there is no doubt that there are unscrupulous traders who take advantage of consumers and target the vulnerable, and we are determined to tackle this."

Mrs Hewitt announced consultation on new powers to control doorstep salesmen, including considering a ban on cold-calling for all property services.

The move follows complaints of salesmen fleecing homeowners by overcharging for shoddy work or goods.

It comes seven months after the launch of The Northern Echo's Doorstoppers campaign that aims to clamp down on bogus callers.

The Government will also ask doorstep salesmen to give clearer information about their products and services.

Other proposals for consultation include a single point of contact - Consumer Direct - for consumer advice and a new "unfair trading" law.

The Government will also consider banning any money being paid, or work carried out, until a seven-day "cooling-off" period has elapsed.