HC Deb 24 November 1970 vol 807 cc229-31
Q5. Mr. Arthur Davidson

asked the Prime Minister how many letters he has received on his decision to end the grant to the Consumer Council.

The Prime Minister

About 160.

Mr. Davidson

What did the Prime Minister say to those 160 people? Did he tell them that he was unique in believing that there was any alternative body to carry out the work of educating the consumer in how to make the best advantage of his money? Did he also tell them that there was another body able to advise them on how to make the best advantage of competition and not be at a disadvantage as a result of competition?

The Prime Minister

A considerable number of my correspondents express their agreement with Government policy in not using public money for objectives which can be achieved by private enterprise concerns using private money. My staff examine the rest to see whether they bear the stamp of being an organised campaign, in which case they get the same answer. When letters raise particular points, they are dealt with.

Dame Irene Ward

Will my right hon. Friend remember that I am really trying to help him when I ask him to bear in mind that women consumers often know a little more than men? Will he please try to arrange a meeting of women Members so that we may arrive at a common policy which will help the woman shopper to understand his policy for the protection of the consumer?

The Prime Minister

I trust that my hon. Friend will bear in mind that I am trying to help her and that I have complete confidence in women consumers, whom I believe able to do the job of buying perfectly well? At the same time, by reducing Government expenditure I am helping to reduce taxation and, therefore, helping the people she wants to help, those who are in the fixed income groups.

Mr. Michael Foot

Does not the Prime Minister think that the persistent attempts of his right hon. Friend to assist him in all these heart-to-heart matters—

Dame Irene Ward

But I am a woman—

Mr. Michael Foot

Does not the Prime Minister think that the persistent efforts of the right hon. Lady in this capacity—

Dame Irene Ward

I am not right honourable.

Hon. Members

Withdraw!

Mr. Michael Foot

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the persistent efforts of the right hon. Lady—[Interruption]—of the hon. Lady promise the most remarkable affair since Queen Titania fell in love with Bottom the Weaver?

Mr. Bagier

How many of the letters which the Prime Minister has had in favour of the Government's policy have come from housewives?

The Prime Minister

I could not give the answer without further detailed analysis which would not be worth the staff work.