§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what effect, if any, it is expected that the Government's devolution proposals will have on the administration and financing of the Consumer Advice and Protection Service in Wales.
§ Mr. MaclennanThe Scotland and Wales Bill does not provide for the devolution of consumer protection to the Welsh Assembly. The local authorities will remain responsible for its administration, as at present. The Welsh Assembly will become responsible for rate support grant for all local authority services including consumer protection. The devolution proposals will not prevent my Department from offering specific grants to Welsh local authorities and other organisations to finance particular consumer protection or advice activities, but there will be no obligation to apply for such grants.