§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she is satisfied that consumers are aware of their legal rights; and what steps she is taking to enlarge public understanding of those rights.
Mr. Alan WilliamsI have no doubt that consumers are better aware of their 393W rights than ever before and the position is being steadily improved. I and my Department take every opportunity to publicise advances in consumers' rights, including the right to buy subsidised food at controlled prices. With the aid of special Government grants the number of consumer advice centres will have increased to over 120 by the end of the year and the citizens' advice bureaux network is also being expanded. The Office of Fair Trading is issuing a wide range of informative leaflets, posters and other publications, including material on the implementation of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.