HC Deb 06 May 1958 vol 587 cc1020-1
30. Miss Burton

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now make a further statement concerning the response made by manufacturers to proposals made by the Consumer Advisory Council of the British Standards Institution on standards of quality.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. F. J. Erroll)

There have been no important developments since the hon. Lady raised this matter in February, but I understand that current discussions with manufacturers are proceeding satisfactorily.

Miss Burton

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that my information is not the same as his with regard to the satisfactory proceedings? Might I ask him what he thinks the B.S.I. should do in view of the fact that shoe manufacturers have completely refused co-operation with the Institution over this matter of children's shoes?

Mr. Erroll

I understand that the hon. Lady visited the headquarters of the B.S.I. this morning, when I hope she was able to put these points to the officials concerned.

Miss Burton

Will the Parliamentary Secretary—who is obviously as well informed as I am—stop evading the issue? Are the Government prepared to give the B.S.I. the power when an industry refuses co-operation on a matter of consumer standards'? Will he agree that the B.S.I. should state publicly in newspapers which manufacturers will not co-operate?

Mr. Erroll

That is matter for the B.S.I. to decide for itself.

31. Miss Burton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a statement concerning the formal discussions which have taken place between the British Standards Institution and the Consumer Research Association on the proposed merger of the Consumer Advisory Council and the Consumer Research Association; and what effect the result will have on the Government grant given to the Consumer Advisory Council.

Mr. Erroll

I understand that the two bodies have decided not to pursue at present the suggested merger; the second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

Miss Burton

While being glad that the merger did not arise, because I do not think the time is opportune, may I ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether he agrees that the time has now arrived when the whole future of consumer work in this country should be reconsidered?

Mr. Erroll

I think that consumer work is receiving very adequate consideration by these bodies at present.