spare parts

[doorframe]

Hi..this is my 1st thread, so I'll try to keep it brief. Having bought various 'own brand' power tools from a large well known high street store, I now require a small spare part...a gear, to be exact. The tool in question is not under guarentee, but has had very little use. It is about 3 years old. The store (and their helpline) informs me that they do not and have not ever stocked this part, and the part has never been available. If it went wrong under guarantee, it would be swapped or a refund given. i have exhausted all efforts to purchase the part from a 3rd party, but with no luck. I wrote to the store, but was simply told...tough. They say they are under no obligation to supply spares, or to put me in touch with somebody who can.

So..is there a law requiring that the spares be available for a given time after the product is withdrawn from sale, or even while it is on sale. And would this law count when the product is manufactured overseas? Can anyone tell me where I stand in UK law.

Many Thanks .