§ 4. Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what discussion he has had with Greater Manchester Council about its consumer advice centres.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Prices and Consumer Protection (Mr. John Fraser)My right hon. Friend met members of Greater Manchester Council during his visit to two of the council's consumer advice centres on 30th September this year. I am certainly ready to meet members of the council to discuss the work of these centres and my Departments' grant assistance to them, should they feel this would be helpful.
§ Mr. BennettWill my hon. Friend confirm that the Tory-controlled Greater Manchester Council is considering closing its consumer advice centres? Will he also confirm that this would mean no saving for its ratepayers and, indeed, would be a considerable loss to the people who now receive good service from these centres? Will he confirm, further, that if the district councils wish to take over this consumer protection function they will be able to do so?
§ Mr. FraserI have no official confirmation that Manchester proposes to do this, but if the council decided to close the centres I would regard that as a matter for very great regret. I confirm that it would not save the ratepayers of Manchester one penny, and it would deprive them of a valuable service. If district councils want to take over centres, I hope that counties will not stand in their way, and the districts can then receive the 100 per cent. Government grant.
§ Mr. MontgomeryWill the Minister also confirm that it is the right of local authorities themselves to decide how money should be spent and that, if the Greater Manchester Council decides that this money is not being spent correctly, it is perfectly entitled to close these consumer centres?
§ Mr. FraserYes, the council is quite within its rights in closing them down, but it is not saving its own money; it it simply cutting off a grant from the central Government.