Consumer Advice Centres

HC Deb 07 August 1975 vol 897 cc406-7W

Mr. Welsh

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection how many consumer advice centres are now in operation in Scotland; how many will be working by the end of 1975; and what plans exist for the extension of this service.

Mr. Alan Williams

According to the latest information available to me, there are three consumer advice centres now operating in Scotland. I understand that a few more centres are planned to open later this year. I am seeking further information. It will be open to Scottish local authorities to apply for grants to establish further centres under the scheme announced in paragraph 32 of the White Paper "The Attack on Inflation", Cmnd. 6151.

Mr. Welsh

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what discussions have taken place between her Department and Scottish local authorities concerning the setting up of consumer advice centres; which local authorities were involved; and what plans exist for future consultation.

Mr. Alan Williams

My officials met representatives of local authority associations, including the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, on 24th July to discuss the implementation of the Government's proposal for a grant scheme to encourage the setting up of more consumer advice centres, announced in the White Paper "The Attack on Inflation", Cmnd. 6151. The associations, including the convention, are now being consulted about the terms of a circular inviting local authorities to apply for these grants.

Mr. Welsh

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what expenditure has taken place per annum in setting up consumer advice centres in (a) Scotland and (b) England; what is the present annual running cost of these services in both countries; and what future expenditure is planned for both countries.

Mr. Alan Williams

Consumer advice centres are provided by local authorities, and aggregate figures of expenditure are not available. Subject to parliamentary approval, I intend to make available up to £1.4 million this financial year and next for the grant scheme for consumer advice centres announced in paragraph 32 of the White Paper "The Attack on Inflation", Cmnd. 6151. The allocation of this between countries will depend on the applications received.