HC Deb 30 November 1970 vol 807 cc270-1W
Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will take steps to establish a National Registration and Consumer Board for the compulsory registration of central heating firms and machinery to protect the customer from disreputable practices in the installation of systems and the prices charged for them;

(2) how many firms concerned with central heating systems and installation are registered with his Department; what increase this represents over the past 10 years; and what is his estimate of the number of firms not registered, and the increase in this field;

(3) if he will take steps to make an after-sales service and a guarantee of standards and performance a binding condition of contract for all central heating and central heating installation firms;

(4) if he will seek powers to ensure that the costs of central heating systems and costs of installation and servicing of systems advertised by central heating firms should be specifically made known at the point of advertisement in written form to a customer before a contract is entered into;

(5) if he will take steps to introduce a code of good practices and standards for domestic central heating installation;

(6) if he will take steps to introduce a national inspection service for central heating systems;

(7) if he will take steps to establish a national advisory service on domestic central heating systems.

Mr. Ridley

I do not favour unnecessary intervention in industry. Competition in the central heating industry, and measures already taken by its trade associations, provide adequate protection for consumers.

Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many domestic central heating systems were installed during the 12 months to the latest available date by or through the Central Electricity Generating Board and the Gas Council.

Mr. Ridley

I am asking the Chairmen of the Gas and Electricity Councils to write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give general directions to the National Coal Board, the Central Electricity Generating Board, and the Gas Council to increase research on improved methods of central heating.

Mr. Ridley

No. The general programmes of research are settled with us and a due proportion of the total effort is already devoted to domestic applications of the fuels.

Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many domestic central heating systems installed during the past 12 months through the Central Electricity Generating Board, the Gas Council and the National Coal Board have been found to be inefficient, unsatisfactory or dangerous.

Mr. Ridley

No such complaints have reached me. I am asking the Chairmen of the industries concerned to write to the hon. Member.