§ 34. Mr. Arthur Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry from what organisations he has received representations with regard to the decision to end the grant to the Consumer Council; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. John DaviesRepresentations have been received from a small number of consumer organisations and one other body; the replies explain the reasons for the Government's decision.
§ Mr. DavidsonHas the Secretary of State's attention been drawn to the statement made yesterday by the Consumer Council to the effect that many firms have already started to round-up prices in anticipation of Decimal Day? What body does he think can replace the Consumer Council in the day-to-day alerting of the public to unjustifiable price increases? I hope that he will not say that it will be the Consumers' Association, because that association has already said that it cannot carry out the work done by the Consumer Council.
§ Mr. DaviesThe Government's view is that the strengthening of protective 892 measures which has taken place over recent years, coupled with the emergence and development of voluntary consumer organisations, affords a considerable degree of protection for the consumer.
§ Mr. Kenneth LewisI recognise the demise of the Consumer Council—it was a quite correct decision—but will my right hon. Friend nevertheless, through both Government and industry, seek to support the Consumers' Association so that it can take over some of the other work?
§ Mr. DaviesThe Government will certainly encourage any body that is seeking voluntarily to help the consumer.