§ Mr. John Evansasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list
296WCouncil. The present position is that the Trading Standards Branch of the Department of Commerce, which incorporates the Northern Ireland Weights and Measures Inspectorate with six divisional offices throughout Northern Ireland, will consider and, when appropriate, investigate consumer complaints in addition to carrying out its normal enforcement functions. There are also voluntary agencies, including 19 citizens advice bureaux, which deal with consumer inquiries.
The Fair Trading Act 1975, under which the Office of Fair Trading was established, extends to Northern Ireland. This is considered to be in the best interests of Northern Ireland consumers. My center hon. Friend has no plans for separate arrangements.