HC Deb 27 February 1958 vol 583 cc512-3
3. Miss Burton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the anticipated additional grant of£10,000 to the British Standards Institution in the financial year 1957–58 is to balance additional income from industry and the sale of publications or for any other reason; and if he will continue, apart from the general grant, the present additional sum of£10,000 given for the publication of Shoppers' Guide and the work of the Consumer Advisory Council.

Sir D. Eccles

The increase of£10,000 in the general grant is to match additional contributions from industry. Subject to Parliamentary approval, the special grant of£10,000 towards the Institution's work for the domestic consumer will be repeated in 1958–59.

Miss Burton

While I am very glad that the extra grant is to be continued, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it will be continued irrespective or not of a possible merger between the Consumer Advisory Council and the Consumer Research Association?

Sir D. Eccles

As I told the hon. Lady last week, we must see whether the merger comes off before I can decide the financial implications.

Mr. Page

Will my right hon. Friend say whether this Shoppers' Guide is really a guide to any shoppers; whether shoppers read it, and who does read it? Why should the taxpayer be asked to contribute£10,000 to the publication of the view of some particular editress?

Sir D. Eccles

I understand it is very widely appreciated.