HC Deb 11 December 1968 vol 775 cc408-9
27. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to ensure the maintenance of a reasonable after sales service by manufacturers of domestic washing, heating, cooking appliances and other similar consumer durables.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

I do not think that this is a subject which can be dealt with by legislation. In general, I believe that reasonable after-sales service is a matter for the manufacturer to arrange and if my hon. Friend has grounds for thinking that the arrangements made by any particular firm or industry are defective perhaps he will convey them to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology.

Mr. Roberts

But is my hon. Friend aware that I have had a crop of complaints in this direction, particularly in connection with washing machines? Would she not accept that there should be a minimum condition that the major manufacturers should at least provide a direct after-sales service?

Mrs. Dunwoody

It is to the benefit of any manufacturer to provide a very good after-sales service. I hope that house wives who are not satisfied will tell the manufacturer plainly what they think of his product.