Got a reply from consumer direct, pretty much as expected. The trader is responsible, not Microsoft.
Here is the reply:
Dear Mr Wedge,
Thank you for your enquiry to Consumer Direct regarding the faulty X-Box 360 purchased from Comet.
From the information you have provided us I woudl advise you to speak with the manager of the store explaining that your statutory rights are against the trader (Comet) and not the manufacturer. You should state that you request a repair, replacement, full or part refund. The most likely remedy may be a repair as this could be the most cost effective for the trader.
Your contract is governed by the Sale of Goods Act 1979, which states that all goods supplied by a trader to a consumer must be of a satisfactory quality, fit for their purpose and as described. If this is not the case then you may have a right to reject the goods and claim a refund. The law states that you only have a short time in which to reject the goods and claim a full refund and once ‘acceptance’ has occurred then your rights are limited in the first instance to claiming for a repair or possibly replacement or part refund.
If you do not get a favourable response from the Manager then please call us on the number below and your details will be passed to Trading Standards for further assistance with the matter.
Regards
Consumer Direct North West
No surprise really, unfortunately Microsoft have already been and picked my 360 up for repair so I wont get the pleasure of showing this to that idiot at Comet. At least if it does go wrong in the near future I have this to fall back on.