HC Deb 16 December 1954 vol 535 cc1965-6
34. Miss Burton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the British Standards Institution has announced its intention of setting up a Consumers' Advisory Council; and what public funds will be available for this purpose.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Peter Thorneycroft)

Yes, Sir. Its own funds, of which the Government grant in aid represents about one-third.

Miss Burton

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what it is actually proposed that this Council should do? Is he aware that the general Press notice concerning the Council said that it was to give information and advice? Is he not aware that we do not require any more information and advice but some action to protect consumers?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The British Standards Institution is quite right. It is to give advice on consumer standards to the industrial committees of B.S.I.

Miss Burton

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cotton and rayon industries did not take any notice of the right hon. Gentleman when he gave them advice? What notice does he think they will take of the Consumers' Advisory Council?

Mr. Thorneycroft

That seems to be a rather different question. This is an ordinary piece of machinery set up by the Institution to give the best advice possible on consumer standards.