§ 28. Mrs. Oppenheimasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will take further steps to set up a national network of consumer advice centres.
The Minister of State, Department of Prices and Consumer Protection (Mr. Alan Williams)Yes, Sir. I am considering how local centres can best be developed as part of such a national network. I plan shortly to meet local authority representatives and the voluntary organisations, to discuss programmes for providing consumer advice centres.
§ Mrs. OppenheimDoes the hon. Gentleman accept that I welcome the fact that his Department agrees with the view that I have often expressed—that the provision of easily accessible comprehensive consumer advice is fundamental to ensuring that consumer protection legislation is as effective as possible? Will he bear firmly in mind, however, that most consumer protection organisations agree that a degree of independence should be preserved, and that a mere local authority service would not be ideal?
Mr. WilliamsAll these matters will be discussed during the consultations that I have outlined. The hon. Lady will bear in mind that her views are similar to those that I expressed in opposition.