30. Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has yet come to a conclusion as to the attribution of responsibility in his Department for the safeguarding of consumer interests.
§ Mr. John DaviesThe allocation of Ministerial responsibilities within my Department is reviewed from time to time, but I have no announcement to make about this at present.
Mr. TaylorWill my right hon. Friend assure us that in the next Session more priority will be given to consumer protection legislation? Is he aware that in the Queen's Speech this year we had an assurance that legislation would be forthcoming? We have not had any. Can we at least look forward to legislation on the Crowther proposals and the Sale of Goods Act next year?
§ Mr. DaviesI will give close attention to my hon. Friend's suggestion.
§ Mr. JayAs it is the Government's present practice to reverse their policies of a year ago, will they now re-estabish the Consumer Council?
§ Mr. DaviesNo, I have no intention of doing so at present.