Consumer Protection (Committee's Report)

HC Deb 28 November 1961 vol 650 cc223-4

19. Mr. Darling

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to receive the Report of the Committee on Consumer Protection.

Mr. N. Macpherson

It is still too soon to set a firm date but I understand that the Committee hopes to submit its report by the second quarter of 1962.

Mr. Darling

Could the hon. Gentleman tell us what use will be made of this report when or if it ever appears? Is he aware that his own party, following the lead of the Labour Party, has produced its own policy for consumer protection without waiting for this report? Is he aware that three Private Members' Bills which are likely to go through will cover much of the subject before the report appears? Is he aware that the Liberal Party will also try to produce a report, so that the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond) who leads it can say that it is the party with new ideas? In these circumstances, would it not be better to wind up the Committee and forget about it?

Mr. Macpherson

No, Sir. I think it highly desirable that a lot of people should be giving thought to this matter. It is important that my hon. Friends have produced an unofficial report on it and we await the Molony Committee's report with all the more interest.