National Consumer Council (Hansard, 21 July 1975)

§ 21. Mr. Mike Thomas
asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether she will make a statement on the progress to date of the National Consumer Council.

Mr. Alan Williams
The National Consumer Council announced its initial list of priorities on 14th July. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I saw representatives of the council last week to discuss the Government's policy on inflation. Its chairman is now a member of NEDC.

§ Mr. Thomas
As the National Consumer Council is by Government policy to be accorded the same status in the Government's consultation process as the CBI and the TUC, may I ask whether the NCC was present and what part it played in the discussions about the present package with the TUC and the CBI? Secondly, although the Prime Minister is prepared to tell us all about his meetings with the CBI and the TUC, may I ask why he transfers to the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection Questions about his meetings with the National Consumer Council?

Mr. Alan Williams
I reassure my hon. Friend that to the best of my knowledge we have received no com- 30 plaints from the NCC about the way in which the consultations have taken place. Indeed, we had full and constructive discussions with the NCC last week. I know that my hon. Friend will accept that the whole basis of consultation will evolve gradually as the NCC develops its own methods of work. During the discussions last week we dealt with ways of expanding consultation.

§ Mr. Dykes
In the Government's proposed discussions with the Retail Consortium on the 10 per cent. price limits and limits on essential goods and services. would it not be a good idea to give the NCC equal status with the consortium?

Mr. Alan Williams
As I have already indicated, our aim is to allow the NCC to develop its own capacities naturally. It has been in existence for only two months. We had constructive and helpful discussions with the NCC last week. We hope to expand the basis of consultation. As my lion. Friend the Under-Secretary of State said, the House still has to debate the points which the Government have put forward in the consultative document. The House will also be able to consider the points put forward in the NCC's Press statement.