HC Deb 21 July 1975 vol 896 cc27-8
16. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection by what date her Department will assume responsibility for the consumer councils of the gas and electricity supply industries.

Mr. Alan Williams

The Department assumed responsibility for the appointment of the members of the nationalised industry consumer councils, other than the Scottish Electricity Consultative Councils, on 1st February 1975. When the Statutory Corporations (Financial Provisions) Bill receives the Royal Assent, the financing of these councils will also pass from the industries to the Government.

Mr. Hooley

That is very welcome news. Will my hon. Friend confirm that these consumer councils will have adequate staff and, if possible, independent inspectors to check on some of the less desirable practices of the British Gas Council and on the rising and disquieting number of complaints against that body?

Mr. Alan Williams

I have already indicated in answer to an earlier Question that we are reviewing the whole structure of these councils and their membership. I shall bear in mind the points made by my hon. Friend. However, I draw to his attention the fact that, for example, the Post Office Users National Council has been told that if it wishes to commission a consultant to give it back-up research facilities it is free to do so.

Mr. Crouch

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us whether he is of the opinion that these councils should be associated in any way with the nationalised industries on which they comment, or should be completely separate? He will be aware that the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries examined these councils some years ago and found, to its dismay, that their association was not always in the consumers' interest.

Mr. Alan Williams

The hon. Gentleman has made a valid point. I think that to some extent we anticipated that point by pressing for the transfer of the responsibility for these councils away from the sponsoring Departments to my Department, and assuming the financial responsibility which had previously rested with the nationalised industries. Therefore, we have moved considerably towards the greater independence of these councils. If there are any other aspects worrying hon. Members which they believe in any way limit the independence of these councils, we shall be willing to look at them.