Announced Action(s) for June 10, 1999

The Federal Trade Commission today announced the following:

• Federal Register Notices:
  
  Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals and Pewter Industries  
  
  The Commission has published a Federal Register Notice requesting public comments on proposed revisions to the Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals and Pewter Industries to provide for the disclosure of laser-drilling of diamonds to consumers. The Commission seeks public comment on the proposed changes to the Guides and also requests comment on a number of specific questions about the Guides. Comments will be accepted until July 8. The Commission vote to publish the Federal Register Notice was 4-0. (FTC File No. G711001; Staff Contact: Robin Rosen Spector, Division of Enforcement, 202-326-3740.)  
  
  Comments about these proposed changes should be identified as: "Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals and Pewter Industries -- 16 CFR Part 23 -- Comment" and should be directed to: Secretary, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room H-159, Washington, DC 20580. e-mail comments to: <jewelry@ftc.gov>.  
  
  Watch Guides  
  
  The FTC has voted to rescind its Guides for the Watch Industry. In June 1997, as part of its periodic review of its rules and guides, the Commission published a Federal Register Notice seeking public comment on proposed changes to the Watch Guides and on the continuing need for the Guides. The Commission has completed its review and has concluded that the Guides, which are significantly outdated, are no longer needed to resolve uncertainty among businesses over what claims are likely to be considered deceptive. The Commission determined that, in most instances, international standards, developed by the International Organization for Standardization, provide substantial guidance to industry regarding watch markings and claims. For those topics not addressed by international standards, principles of law articulated in FTC policy statements and pertinent Commission and court decisions on deception provide guidance regarding watch sellers' obligations to refrain from unfair or deceptive acts or practices under section 5 of the FTC Act. The Commission noted that if deceptive practices prove to be a problem in this industry, FTC investigations and law enforcement actions may be appropriate and necessary. The Commission vote to rescind the Guides for the Watch Industry was 4-0. (Staff contact: Laura J. DeMartino, Division of Enforcement, 202-326-3030.)

• Consent agreements given final approval: Following a public comment period, the Commission has made final consent agreements with the following entities. The Commission action makes the consent orders binding on the respondents.
  
  Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Docket No. C-3870)
  Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corporation (Docket No. C-3872)
  Delia's (Docket No. C-3875)
  Woolrich, Inc. (Docket No. C-3873)
  Bugle Boy Industries, Inc. (Docket No. C-38710)
  Abercrombie & Fitch, Inc. (Docket No. C-3874)
  Gottschalks, Inc. (Docket No. C-3878)
  
  The Commission vote to approve the Wal-Mart order as final was 3-0, with Commissioner Sheila F. Anthony recused, and the Commission votes to approve the other orders as final were 4-0. (See news release dated March 16, 1999. Staff Contacts for the above matters are: Carol Jennings, 202-326-3010 or Eleanor Durham, 206-220-4476.)  
  
  CMS Energy Corporation; Docket No. C-3877. The Commission vote to approve the order as final was 4-0. (See news release dated March 19, 1999. Staff Contact: Phillip L. Broyles, 202-326-2805.)
  
  Zeneca Group, PLC; Docket No. C-3880. The Commission vote to approve the order as final was 4-0. (See news release dated March 25, 1999. Staff Contact: Steven K. Bernstein, 202-326-2423.)  
  
  Medtronic, Inc.; Docket No. C-3879. The Commission vote to approve the order as final was 4-0. (See news release dated March 10, 1999. Staff Contact: Phillip L. Broyles, 202-326-2805.)
  
  The Stanley Works; Docket No. C-3876. The Commission vote to approve the order as final was 4-0. (See news release dated January 19, 1999. Staff Contact: Elaine Kolish, 202-326-3042.)

Copies of the documents mentioned in this FYI are available from the FTC's web site at http://www.ftc.gov and also from the FTC's Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580; 202-FTC-HELP (202-382-4357); TDD for the hearing impaired 1-866-653-4261. Consent agreements subject to public comment also are available by calling 202-326-3627. To find out the latest news as it is announced, call the FTC NewsPhone recording at 202-326-2710.