British Standards Institution (Consumers' Advisory Council)

Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 16 December 1954.

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Photo of Miss Elaine Burton Miss Elaine Burton , Coventry South 12:00, 16 December 1954

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the British Standards Institution has announced its intention of setting up a Consumers' Advisory Council; and what public funds will be available for this purpose.

Photo of Mr Peter Thorneycroft Mr Peter Thorneycroft , Monmouth

Yes, Sir. Its own funds, of which the Government grant in aid represents about one-third.

Photo of Miss Elaine Burton Miss Elaine Burton , Coventry South

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what it is actually proposed that this Council should do? Is he aware that the general Press notice concerning the Council said that it was to give information and advice? Is he not aware that we do not require any more information and advice but some action to protect consumers?

Photo of Mr Peter Thorneycroft Mr Peter Thorneycroft , Monmouth

The British Standards Institution is quite right. It is to give advice on consumer standards to the industrial committees of B.S.I.

Photo of Miss Elaine Burton Miss Elaine Burton , Coventry South

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cotton and rayon industries did not take any notice of the right hon. Gentleman when he gave them advice? What notice does he think they will take of the Consumers' Advisory Council?

Photo of Mr Peter Thorneycroft Mr Peter Thorneycroft , Monmouth

That seems to be a rather different question. This is an ordinary piece of machinery set up by the Institution to give the best advice possible on consumer standards.