§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received from and what advice he has given to the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux concerning the provision of extra funds to citizens advice bureaux where consumer advice centres close down.
§ Mr. EyreAs the request of my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for 213W Consumer Affairs, the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux submitted late last year detailed proposals for the future funding of the movement in the light of the possible closure of consumer advice centres. My right hon. Friend responded to these proposals on 19 November last year by announcing that she would be making available to the movement double the amount of money provided by the previous Government.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he is satisfied that the additional funds being provided to the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux will be sufficient to meet the needs of those local bureaux who have to take over the work of consumer advice centres which have closed down.
§ Mr. EyreThe provision of local advice is a matter for local government. The additional grant which my Department will be making to the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux should enable CABs to deal with extra consumer work in those areas where local authorities decide to close consumer advice centres.