HC Deb 20 February 1958 vol 582 c1375
17. Miss Burton

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement concerning the merger of the Consumer Advisory Council of the British Standards Institution with the Consumer Research Association; and what effect this will have on the Government grant made to the Institution.

Sir D. Eccles

Formal discussions between the two bodies have not taken place and it would be inappropriate to comment on an idea which is still the subject of preliminary discussions within each body.

Miss Burton

When do these discussions cease to be preliminary? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this has been mooted in the Press since the beginning of December? Is he further aware that on 9th December The Times stated that this matter was to be discussed by the Council of the British Standards Institution at its meeting in the middle of February? As we have now arrived at 20th February, can the Minister say whether that meeting has taken place, and, if it has not, when is it likely to be held?

Sir D. Eccles

Many things which are mooted in the Press do not come to much. As far as I know, no formal discussions have yet taken place.