§ 42. Mr. McBrideasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will introduce legislation to appoint a Parliamentary Commissioner for the protection of consumers.
§ The Minister for Industry (Sir John Eden)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Huddersfield, West (Mr. Lomas) on 19th January by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Industry.—[Vol. 809, c. 253.]
§ Mr. McBrideDoes the hon. Member realise that the position has changed since January, and that with the 50 per cent. cut in S.E.T. there is a need to watch prices and ensure that those that should come down do come down? Does the Minister also realise the need for overall price surveillance; that the Crowther Report emphasised this in terms of consumer credit; that in the United States and Canada public funds are devoted to this purpose; and that in Sweden the 676 office of consumer ombudsman has been created? Does not the Minister agree that the British consumer deserves the services of a similar official? Why does the Minister refuse to act in this matter?
§ Sir J. EdenWe are giving further consideration to the recommendations of the Crowther Commission. I am aware of the position in Sweden, but I believe that in this country the best protection for the consumer can be provided by the consumer himself. This matter is not appropriate for Government action.
§ Mr. SpearingThe Minister has said that there should be competition and that the consumer should judge, but does he not agree that when the article concerned is of a complex technical nature the consumer requires assistance to enable him to judge between competitive firms?
§ Sir J. EdenIf the consumer wishes to establish an independent arbitral body, it is a matter for him to put into effect. The Government act by means of legislation. A considerable number of Acts of Parliament are designed to protect consumer interests in general. Consumers in this country are sophisticated buyers who know best how to look after their own interests.