HC Deb 07 February 1968 vol 758 cc370-1
3. Gardner

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will establish a toy council.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody)

My right hon. Friend could use his power to establish a Development Council for an industry only if he was satisfied that the industry wants one. We have no evidence that this is so in the case of the toy industry.

Mr. Gardner

Would not my hon. Friend—who has considerable personal experience in these matters—not agree that toys are very important in a child's formative years? In view of the concern of people in education and other spheres who want this toy council, will she look at this again?

Mrs. Dunwoody

We are, of course, aware of the great importance of the kind of toys with which a child plays initially, but unfortunately, under the relevant powers, the sort of organisation which the Consumer Council has in mind would not be possible.