§ 59. Commander Keransasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development whether in the interest of consumers he will introduce legislation to prohibit trading stamps.
§ Mr. HeathI do not think that there is any need for the Government to intervene in what seems to be essentially a controversy between retailers. The Committee on Consumer Protection last year reaffirmed the view of an earlier Committee that trading stamps were not detrimental to the public interest. The Consumer Council has informed me that it does not consider that the effect of stamp trading on the consumer at present requires the Council to take up a position on this method of selling. Her Majesty's Government with the Consumer Council will, of course, both keep a close watch on any further developments.