§ 2.43 p.m.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made in the provision of technical advice for dealing with consumer complaints referred to the offices of the Citizens' Advice Bureaux.]
§ LORD RHODESMy Lords, I understand that the National Citizens' Advice Bureaux Council are currently reviewing the progress which has been made in developing the Bureaux' consumer advisory service and are considering what further facilities may be desirable. When this review is complete the Council will no doubt have further discussions with the Board of Trade.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy Lords, in thanking my noble friend for that Answer, may I ask him whether he is aware that the position at the moment, since this technical advice is not available, seems to be that the staff at the headquarters of the Citizens' Advice Bureaux are being asked to decide matters for which they have not the technical competence, and that, as a result, an unfair burden is being placed on them? Would the noble Lord bear this in mind when he is considering this matter?
§ LORD RHODESYes, my Lords, of course. But as the Citizens' Advice Bureaux are within two months of coming to a conclusion about their requirements, I think that I had better not commit myself.