A Business, Innovation and Skills Department survey has revealed almost two-thirds of consumers are less likely to return goods bought online than those they have purchased from the high street.

This is in despite of a statutory seven-day cooling-off period for goods bought over the internet.

The survey confirmed Britons are now the biggest on-line shoppers in Europe - having spent £38bn or 10 per cent of UK retail sales — but 77 per cent are not aware of the difference in their rights between shopping over the internet and visiting a store in person.

Consumer Minister Kevin Brennan said: "It's important we all know that most online goods can be returned with no questions asked within seven days."