British Firm Awarded ‘Gobbledegook’ Prize

The stock prospectus of British Gas, which went public this month, won a “Golden Bull Booby Prize for Gobbledegook” on Tuesday.

The prize was awarded by the National Consumer Council and the Plain English Campaign, which promotes the use by government, companies, lawyers and others of clear, straightforward English.

Campaign organizer Chrissie Maher quoted examples from the prospectus. One told buyers that by signing a form to buy stock, they “agree that without prejudice to any other rights to which you may be entitled, you will not be entitled to exercise any remedy of rescission for innocent misrepresentation at any time after acceptance of your application.”

No British Gas representative was present to receive the award, a small golden bull mounted on a black plastic stand.