HL Deb 13 May 1982 vol 430 cc305-6
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 in view of the fact that the Minister for Consumer Affairs stated on 28th March that he wanted to see an active, vigorous consumer movement working with the Government, a decision has been reached on the publication of a Green Paper dealing with consumers and the nationalised industries including suggestions received in connection with their consultative document, Consumers' Interests and the Nationalised Industries; and whether they will make a statement both upon this and the holding of a debate in Parliament.

Lord Lyell

My Lords, we shall publish proposals on NICC reform as soon as possible; we hope before the Summer Recess.

Baroness Burton of Coventry

My Lords, while being glad of getting a more positive response, may I ask the noble Lord whether it is correct that he has answered the first part of my Question and not the last? If I heard him aright, did he say that the Government hoped to make a Statement before the Summer Recess? Can the noble Lord enlarge on that and say whether we may have a debate in this House on that Statement?

Lord Lyell

My Lords, I hope that I said to the noble Baroness that we shall publish proposals. Whether she believes that constitutes making a Statement, I shall leave to her. But, as to having a debate, I am sure the noble Baroness will know that is a matter for the usual channels.

Baroness Elliot of Harwood

My Lords, do the Government realise that there is a terrific head of interest about this particular consumer report? I get any number of letters. It is vital that we should have some discussion in the House, otherwise we are dependent on noble Lords and the noble Baroness, Lady Burton—who never fails to bring this matter up—and it is something we desperately want. Is it possible for the Government to make some proposal for a date some time so that we can really get going on this matter?

Lord Lyell

My Lords, I hope that we shall be able to make firm proposals before the Summer Recess. Everybody is aware of a tremendous head of steam on this matter, particularly when it is expressed by the noble Baroness, Lady Burton, and indeed by my noble friend.

Baroness Burton of Coventry

My Lords, is the Minister aware that the noble Baroness and I will both be glad when the head of steam finally has effect? Arising from what he has just said, may I ask the noble Lord whether he will ask his noble friend the Secretary of State for Trade whether he feels able to look at the matter of our having a debate? If this is not before the Summer Recess, could it be in what will probably be the spillover period before the House adjourns at the end of the Session?

Lord Lyell

My Lords, I shall certainly bring the remarks of the noble Baroness to the attention of my noble friend. But I say again to her that a debate in your Lordships' House is entirely a matter for the usual channels.

Lord Leatherland

My Lords, as this Question originally dealt with the interests of consumers, will the Government bear in mind that Members of the House of Commons are also consumers and have just received an increase in their salaries?

Lord Lyell

Yes, my Lords.

Back to