§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Trade why he has decided to withdraw the £4 million grant to consumer advice centres; how many of the existing centres will have to close as a result; and what Government bodies will take over the work of the consumer advice centres.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimThese grants were not cost-effective in promoting an advice service. The provision of local advice services is a matter for local authorities to decide in the light of local spending priorities. Where local authorities decide to close existing centres, the additional funds I am making available to the National Association of citizens advice bureaux should help CABs to deal with extra consumer work.