HC Deb 10 May 1960 vol 623 cc175-6
4. Dr. A. Thompson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider setting up a national council for consumer protection and information.

Mr. J. Rodgers

My right hon. Friend will consider this possibility in the light of the advice which the Committee on Consumer Protection eventually offers him.

Dr. Thompson

While thanking the Parliamentary Secretary for that reply, may I urge on him the need, with the onset of commercial television, to appreciate that consumers are in ever-increasing danger of being misled by the kind of advertising pressure to which they are subjected? Will he carefully bear in mind the present conditions?

Mr. Rodgers

I will certainly do that.

Mrs. Slater

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us how long his right hon. Friend is likely to be before finally considering the recommendations of the interim Report?

Mr. Rodgers

No. Conversations between officials in the Home Department and my Department are taking place.

18. Mr. Goodhart

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take on the main recommendation of the Molony Committee on Consumer Protection, contained in paragraph 43 of its Interim Report to him

Mr. J. Rodgers

My right hon. Friend cannot yet add to the reply which he gave to the hon. Member for Hornsey (Lady Gammans) on 27th April.

Mr. Goodhart

I realise that these consultations take time. Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a widespread desire that the Interim Report should be implemented as quickly as possible? How long does he expect that the conversations between his Department and the Home Office will continue? As a first step, will the Government support the Oil Burners (Standards) Bill which is to come before this House?

Mr. Rodgers

My hon. Friend will appreciate that consultations with a number of interests and a good deal of careful thought are needed before the detailed implications of the Committee's main recommendations—for legislation giving general powers to make regulations—can be assessed. We shall proceed as speedily as possible.