§ Q7. Mr. Mike Thomasasked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps to reconstitute the NEDC with the National Consumer Council as full members.
§ Mr. Edward ShortI have been asked to reply.
I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend on 11th December, Sir.
§ Mr. ThomasHow does my right hon. Friend expect the Government to make credible their claim that in the Council they have created a body to represent the interests of the consumer in the higher councils of the land if, at the first whit] of grapeshot from the trade union movement and the CBI, they do not accord the Council full status within the NEDC?
§ Mr. ShortWe are not yet willing to grant the NCC equal status with the CBI and TUC. The Council is a recently formed body, but in the matter of consultation it is evolving towards the objectives set out in the White Paper. It must be remembered that Mr. Michael Young is a valuable member of the NEDC and, although he attends that body as an individual, he also represents the NCC.
§ Mr. SainsburyDoes the hon. Gentleman consider that the voice of the consumer might be better represented by ensuring that all major parties are represented in the NEDC's deliberations?