§ 12. Mr. Molloyasked the Minister of Power if he will consider initiating measures to increase and improve the awareness of the general public of the existence and function of the various consultative councils for which his Department is concerned.
§ Mr. FreesonI have initiated discussions on the Consumer Council's Report on Consultative Machinery in the Nationalised Industries with chairmen of the consultative councils and these will continue. Meanwhile, the councils are already using a wide variety of measures to make themselves known, and they are now considering whether anything further can be done to increase public awareness of their work.
§ Mr. MolloyIs my hon. Friend aware that if he cares to speak to me later I will be pleased to give his some information which would assist in improving the public awareness of these activities? Would he agree that these councils cannot fulfil the useful role for which they are designed unless they take steps to make the general public aware of what they do and how to get in touch with them?
§ Mr. FreesonI agree with my hon. Friend that there is need for the public to be made aware and to be kept informed of the existence of these organisations. If my hon. Friend, any hon. Member or any member of the public has ideas and suggestions to make in this respect I will be glad to receive them.