§ 33. Mr. David MartinTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what effect nationalised industry consumer councils have had in protecting the consumer against above inflation price increases and poor service.
§ Mr. ForthThe national industry consumer councils are consulted by their respective industries on price increases. The industries concerned take a number of factors into account in arriving at a decision on such increases, and the national industry consumer councils play a valuable role in ensuring that the consumer view is adequately presented. The councils also have an influential role so far as standards of service are concerned, seeking improvements where experience shows this to be needed; and they are able to take up individual complaints with their industries where the consumer has failed to resolve the matter direct with the industry.