§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment has been made since 1999 of the effectiveness of the Scottish Consumer Council. [15548]
§ Ms HewittThe National Consumer Council regularly monitors the performance of the SCC to ensure that it meets its performance and work-related objectives. The SCC, in its annual report, includes a report on its activities and how well it has achieved its objectives.
In 1999 the Department carried out a thorough review of the role, objectives and performance of the NCC and its country committees, including the SCC. This was followed in late 2000 by a Governance review (completed early 2001) of the NCC. This review recommended changes to the NCC board and as a result a new board was appointed as of 1 October.