Consumer Advice Centres (Hansard, 22 October 1973)

§ 18. Mr. Meacher
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his plans to extend the setting up of consumer advice centres.

§ Sir G. Howe
I have sent a document outlining my plans to local authorities and other interested bodies. I shall be meeting their representatives before the end of the year to discuss how an improved service to consumers can best be achieved.

§ Mr. Meacher
Is the Minister aware that his plan for extending consumer advice centres is a feeble substitute for a proper small claims court system, since it is no use consumers knowing their rights if they cannot afford to exercise them? Is the Minister further aware that, despite his consumer arbitration service, and contrary to the impression he gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Blackley (Mr. Rose), the county court system remains far too expensive and intimidating for the majority of consumers?

§ Sir G. Howe
The hon. Gentleman's observations on the last subject are, as almost always, wholly unhelpful. What he fails to acknowledge is that substantial reforms were made in the procedures of the county courts, both at the beginning of last year and again on 1st October this year. It is far more sensible to make effective use of the reformed agencies which exist than to embark upon the expenditure of setting up a third network of courts which would call for resources, both financial and human, which would simply not be available. The hon. Gentleman does nothing but disservice to reforms that are of fundamental importance in helping consumers achieve their legitimate rights.

§ Mrs. Knight
Will my right hon. and learned Friend say whether the report that he intends to set up consumer advice centres in every High Street is accurate? If so, will he advise us of the cost involved, and whether the centres are to be staffed by paid experts or volunteers?

§ Sir G. Howe
The ultimate object of the exercise, which I shall be discussing with local authority associations and others, is to make the best possible consumer advice available, so far as practicable, to everybody in this country. Plainly, this initiative will take some time, even with the full co-operation of the local authorities and the assistance of volunteers, to bring to full effect.