Spending on direct mail print could be halved, and customer-specific lists seriously affected, following a High Court interim decision objecting to the supply of the electoral register for direct marketing purposes.

In 2002 an opt-out box will be introduced on the electoral register form, allowing residents not to have their details used for direct marketing purposes.

This was due to be introduced this year, and the Direct Marketing Association estimated the delay saved its members more than 250m by being able to use specifically targeted lists.

Latest figures for July to September 2001 show that spending on direct mail rose by nearly 6% to just over 510m. More than 1.1bn items of direct mail were sent during the quarter.