HC Deb 15 April 1965 vol 710 cc1649-50
22. Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects the Consumer Council to complete its study of door-to-door selling and to produce recommendations for the licensing of door-to-door salesmen.

23. Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects the Consumer Council to produce the first labels under its informative labelling proposals, and to which goods these labels will apply.

Mr. Jay

The Consumer Council is an independent body. I suggest that my hon. Friend should put these questions to the Council direct.

Mr. Morris

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Would he accept that this matter should be treated with great urgency? I have received repeated representations. Is not there any action that the Board of Trade itself can take to correct the matter?

Mr. Jay

I have discussed this question with the Consumer Council. I have every reason to think that the study is going forward, but as the Council does not act under my instruction I do not think that I ought to answer for the Council on this sort of point.

Mr. Rose

In relation to the question of licensing door-to-door salesmen, will my right hon. Friend also consider the possibility of drawing up a code of conduct for these people?

Mr. Jay

I will certainly consider that and, if the Consumer Council has any advice to offer, I will of course listen to it with care.

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