HC Deb 27 February 1958 vol 583 cc526-7
27. Mr. Janner

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider, with the appropriate trade associations, the advisability of issuing publications to inform the public about the mechanism of domestic devices in common use so as to enable them to detect the more usual causes of breakdown and estimate the approximate cost of repair.

Sir D. Eccles

Many manufacturers issue explanatory leaflets and, clearly, this is a desirable practice.

Mr. Janner

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that enormous and progressively increasing charges are being made for repairs to domestic instruments in cases where people have not the slightest idea of what the charge ought to be? Has he any evidence at all to indicate that some steps are being taken, either by his Department or anyone else, to ensure that the public is not fleeced?

Sir D. Eccles

My Department is really not equipped to investigate repair charges. I think that the public must look after itself in this respect.