HC Deb 26 March 1973 vol 853 cc918-9
30. Mrs. Joyce Butler

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will ask the Council of Ministers of the European Economic Community for a progress report on the proposal to set up a directorate-general for consumer affairs; and if he will make a statement.

Sir G. Howe

I discussed consumer affairs with Commissioner Scarascia Mugnozza when I visited Brussels last week. The Commission has already established a directorate devoted to environmental and consumer matters which reports direct to the Commissioner.

Mrs. Butler

In view of the EEC's shocking neglect of consumer problems hitherto, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman ensure an all-out British effort to make this new consumer machinery really effective in every aspect of the Commission's work? Will he also arrange to report regularly to this House about its progress?

Sir G. Howe

One of the matters that I pressed upon the Commission at an early stage was that there should be established an indentifiable responsibility for consumer affairs. The appointment of a Commissioner with that as part of his portfolio recognises that. I have visited the Commissioner since his appointment to impress upon the Commission the importance that we attach to effective consideration of consumer affairs. I shall continue to represent that case to the Commissioner as strongly as I think necessary.