HC Deb 05 December 1963 vol 685 cc1349-51
23. Mrs. Butler

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he will introduce legislation to protect shoppers in regard to the issuing of trading stamps.

41. Mr. Oram

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what further conclusions he has reached regarding the need for legislation to control the use of trading stamps, following the study he has made, together with the Consumers Council, of this subject.

Mr. Heath

I have nothing at present to add to the Answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for the Hartlepools (Commander Kerans) on 21st November. I am studying the views recently published by the Consumer Council.

Mrs. Butler

While some housewives have undoubtedly welcomed trading stamps as bringing some excitement—rather like bingo—into their otherwise dull lives, may I ask whether the Minister is aware that there will be widespread resentment when they dis- cover that the Government have failed to protect them against some of the less satisfactory features of this American sales gimmick? Surely the Government have a duty to act and indeed can do so far more quickly and effectively than can a private Member in this House or in another place?

Mr. Heath

I have said that I am studying the views of the Consumer Council. It has not pressed for legislation or asked for it. I understand that it is discussing with the interests involved various ways of dealing with the problems which have arisen.

Mr. Gardner

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in order to qualify for one of these gifts a housewife has to purchase from her greengrocer, or from some other shopkeeper dealing in these stamps, over £600 worth of goods in order to obtain a fishing rod and £220 worth in order to obtain a pair of kitchen scales? Is he aware that if, over the course of a year or so, she can spend over £13,000 with her grocer, she and her husband will be entitled—and will no doubt deserve—to have a holiday in Vienna? Will not my right hon. Friend agree that this amounts to a gigantic swindle which can only increase the cost of living?

Mr. Heath

I think the points which my hon. and learned Friend has quoted depend very much on which catalogue one is perusing. Perhaps we might have an exchange of catalogues. My only interest is to secure sufficient stamps to obtain my own executive aircraft.

Mr. Oram

Whichever catalogue she has, is not it important that the housewife should be made aware of the very doubtful value of these things to her as a consumer? Has not the proposal of the Consumer Council done something towards enlightening consumers about these matters? Does the Minister recall that not long ago he indicated that the Consumer Council might not take up an attitude about this? Is not it at least an advance that it has now done so, and will the right hon. Gentleman do something about it following that statement?

Mr. Heath

When I made my original statement the Consumer Council said that up to that moment it had seen no necessity to take a position. The Council further considered the matter and issued a statement to which the hon. Gentleman has referred. I understand that it is now discussing with the various bodies involved how their own proposals may be implemented.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. We cannot collect any more stamps now. Mr. Boyden.