§ 13. Mrs. Sally Oppenheimasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will ask the Director General of Fair Trading to publish a quarterly analysis of his investigations and their results.
§ Mr. OnslowThe director general tells me that he will be publicising his activities widely. In addition, he has a duty to publish an annual report. I see no need for the quarterly analysis suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Mrs. OppenheimWill not my hon. Friend accept that, as the Parliamentary Commissioner publishes such a report quarterly, a quarterly report from the director general could contain valuable advice and information? Is he aware, for example, that after the servicing of domestic appliances consumers are often asked to sign a paper saying that the work has been satisfactorily carried out, although they have not had the time or do not have the expertise to ascertain whether that is so? Will my hon. Friend refer this matter specifically to the director general?
§ Mr. OnslowI am sure that the director general will take appropriate note of my hon. Friend's observation. As to the way he goes about his business, I can tell the House that the director general intends shortly to make available to hon. Members a pamphlet describing his office and setting out the way in which he goes about his work. Publicity is essential to the success of his operations. If my hon. Friend or any other hon. Member wishes to keep abreast of the facts, I am sure that he will gladly add their names to his mailing list for Press releases.