HC Deb 29 January 1975 vol 885 cc192-3W
Mr. Mike Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection when she will announce the membership of the National Consumers' Agency.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

The Government have decided that the organisation described in the White Paper "National Consumers' Agency" (Cmnd. 5726) would more appropriately be called the National Consumers' Council, since it does not have executive powers.

I am pleased to announce that the first chairman of the council will be Mr Michael Young.

The council will have about 15 members, whom I shall appoint. Five of the appointments will be made from among candidates put forward by the following organisations, which I am inviting to suggest names for my consideration: Consumers' Association, Co-operative Women's Guild, Housewife's Trust, National Consumer Protection Council, National Council of Social Service, National Council of Women of Great Britain, National Federation of Consumer Groups, National Federation of Women's Institutes, National Housewives' Association, National Union of Townswomen's Guilds.