§ 22. Mrs. McLaughlinasked the President of the Board of Trade what response he has had from retail trading associations in returning the questionnaire he sent out on resale price maintenance; and if he will make a statement on the replies received.
§ Mr. MaudlingNearly 2,000 replies have been received from retailers. The inquiry is continuing and I have no statement to make at present.
§ Mrs. McLaughlinAs my right hon. Friend has received only 2,000 replies to the 5,000 inquiries which I understand he sent out, does he intend to 323 pursue this matter further and ask a wider number of retailers for their opinion before making a decision?
§ Mr. MaudlingI should have thought from the way these things go that 2,000 replies to 5,000 questionnaires is a very good average.
§ 23. Mrs. McLaughlinasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take to find out public opinion on resale price maintenance.
§ Mr. MaudlingI am keeping the interests of the consumer public well in mind during the inquiry. Among other steps, I have considered a social survey of consumers' views, but I do not think this would yield the information we need.
§ Mrs. McLaughlinWill my right hon. Friend consider this matter very carefully? I understand that the Consumers' Advisory Council was available and willing to undertake such a survey. Is it not imperative, in the interests of the consumer, that the individual's views and interests in this matter should be thoroughly considered?
§ Mr. MaudlingWe have been in touch with several consumers' associations, including the Consumers' Advisory Council. I agree that it is obviously essential to take into account the view of consumers on these matters, and I am sure that they will be well represented in this House when we come to discuss the matter.