HL Deb 19 June 1972 vol 332 cc3-5

2.38 p.m

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My 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 whether they are in a position to make a Statement concerning the suggested setting up of an Institute of Consumer Affairs established by Royal Charter and, if not, when they expect to be able to do so.

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY (THE EARL OF LIMERICK)

My Lords, as my noble friend Lord Drumalbyn indicated on March 1, we are giving careful consideration to the suggestion of the noble Baroness as to other proposals in the field of consumer policy. A review of these matters is proceeding but I am not yet in a position to make a Statement. I can only say at this stage that we shall press on with our studies as quickly as possible.

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY:

My Lords, without wishing to be offensive may I say that the noble Earl, Lord Limerick, will be aware that we are not very impressed with this kind of Answer? Is he aware that many of us who have come from another place realise that when we receive this type of Answer we know that things are not proceeding very quickly? Does he think that I am being unreasonable in assuming that three and a half months, or sixteen weeks, should be time enough for a little progress to be made? Can the noble Earl tell me when I can put down another Question to get a positive result?

THE EARL OF LIMERICK

My Lords, I am aware of the great concern of the noble Baroness on this point. I can say that the matter is being seriously considered. The question of whether an Institute of Consumer Affairs or any other new institution is necessary in this context depends on a determination of priorities. Once we are clear about the next priorities for advancing consumer interests we shall be taking decisions on the methods and machinery to implement them.

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY:

My Lords, is the noble Earl aware that those of us interested in this matter are not particularly concerned about the type of institute but that we want something done? Is it not a fact that countries in the E.E.C. have been very concerned about consumer affairs? Does the noble Earl not agree that it is time that we did something about this before we join the E.E.C.?

LORD FRASER OF LONSDALE

My Lords, if there was a good case, as I suspect there was, for abolishing the Consumer Council, can the noble Earl say why there is now a case for reviving it under another name?

THE EARL OF LIMERICK

My Lords, I think the purpose of the noble Baroness would not be fairly described as to revive the Consumer Council under another name. With regard to the supplementary question of the noble Baroness, in considering these matters we are indeed very much aware of the effect of our approach to Europe. That is one reason why the matter perhaps requires extra consideratiton. But I would repeat that this subject is under active study.

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, knowing and admiring the persistence of my noble friend Lady Burton, may I ask whether the noble Earl could answer her second supplementary question, so that the Order Paper may not be littered with a number of Questions which the noble Baroness may put down until she gets a satisfactory Answer? I think her supplementary question was: when may she put down a Question with the expectation of a satisfactory Answer?

THE EARL OF LIMERICK

My Lords, as I understand it, the noble Baroness may put down a Question at any time. I shall be happy to keep in touch with her, and I hope we shall not have to wait too long before she has a satisfactory Answer to her Question.

BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, could the Minister tell us when we may expect some legislation about consumer protection, bearing in mind that there was a sentence in the gracious Speech which made reference to this subject?

THE EARL OF LIMERICK

My Lords, this is part of the question which is under study—the question of Crowther particularly, which raises complex issues both of practice and of law. These are the very matters which are now being studied.