On 2007-07-05 12:44:59 +0100, Chris ] said:

In article , Ron Lowe
writes

But do they have a right to demand personal data when selling something
for cash? It seems preposterous! I wouldn't want to give a company
personal information, which might be used for marketing. In fact,
that's why I would often choose to pay by cash.


AFAIK, and IANAL(BMWI - Scotland )
( BMWI = But My Wife Is )
A retailer has the right to refuse to sell to anyone for no reason at all.
There is no obligation on anyone to sell anything.
That extends to retailers who run shops.
Having something for sale in a shop does not constitiue part of a
contract ( at least in Scotland ). A contract comprises an Offer and
Acceptance. A shop display is an "Invitation to Treat", in essence a
pre-amble to a contract. It's inviting the shopper to make an offer.
The shopper brings the item to the checkout and Offers to pay, and the
shopkeeper Accepts. That is the contract.
This is how they can get out of honouring 50" plasma TVs incorrectly
price-tagged at £2.50. The price tag is not part of a contract. The
shopkeeper can decline the shopper's offer to pay £2.50, and there is
no contract.
If the shopkeeper chooses to require you to stand on one leg, spin
around, and sing the national anthem before they agree to accept your
offer, that is their right.
Likewise, they may choose to ask you for personal information.
You are not required to supply this.
If you don't like their terms of business, you also have the right to
walk away.
Also, if they do collect information, then they will likely be subject
to the Data Protection act.
Sorry, can't translate this for England ( but I'd be surprised if it's
much different. )

Thanks for such a detailed and clear reply - much appreciated.
It seems PC World has all the power.
Oh well ...
I will not grumble about how the world is.

No you have the power. You can shop elsewhere.