British consumers are still paying more than many of their European and American counterparts for dozens of branded goods, according to a DTI survey published yesterday.

Chart CDs, DVDs and computer game consoles are the items were the gap is the largest, but Timberland boots, Nike trainers and L'Oreal make-up are also singled out as substantially more expensive in Britain than in other countries.

Trade and industry secretary, Stephen Byers, pledged to reform the EU trade mark directive that currently prevents retailers from sourcing goods - so -called "grey imports" - from outside the European Union.