HC Deb 27 July 1961 vol 645 cc586-7
18. Mr. Darling

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is satisfied that the British Standards Institution's Consumer Services, covering advice, information, research, the adjustment of complaints and the provision of standards, are being properly and efficiently maintained; and if he will increase the grant he makes for these purposes.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Reginald Maudling)

I understand that it is proving difficult to maintain all the services which the Consumer Advisory Council would wish to see performed, but I cannot consider a change in the present arrangements before I have the advice of the Committee on Consumer Protection.

Mr. Darling

I am glad that the Minister recognises the good work which the Advisory Council is doing. I am sure that he appreciates that the Council is being handicapped in its work by lack of cash. Does he not agree that if we are to have a wage freeze, the Council can do a good job for people whose incomes are affected by the wage freeze by showing them how to get better value for their money and by helping to keep out of the market the traders who might be defrauding them if the Council were not doing this work?

Mr. Maudling

I agree that it is an important matter but it is wiser to await the advice of the Committee before I take decision.