§ Mr. Litterickasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection how many consumer advice centres have been closed by local authorities in the West Midlands; how many are scheduled to be closed at the latest date for which this information is available; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HattersleyI understand that the West Midlands County Council has decided to close the three centres in Coventry, Birmingham New Street and West Bromwich in the next two months, and the other six by early next year. I very much regret the council's policy and deplore its decision to refuse Walsall District Council the powers to assume responsibility for its local centre.