asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he intends to accept the National Prices Commission proposal that a consumer information and research centre be established; and, if so, the likely annual cost of the centre.
42.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Consumer Information and Research Centre.
40.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy when the Government proposes to establish a consumer testing and research unit within the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 42 together.
I have received proposals from the Consumers' Association of Ireland and the Irish Housewives' Association for the setting up of a consumer information and research centre. I have asked the National Consumer Advisory Council to give me their views on these proposals and until I have received and considered them I shall take no decisions in the matter.
I should add that I am not at this stage convinced that the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards would be the most appropriate body to operate a consumer testing and research unit.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a very distinguished member of the National Prices Commission, no less a person than a former chairman, was of the view that the institute was the most appropriate venue for such an informal consumer-testing and research unit? Will the Parliamentary Secretary indicate if there is any other body capable of undertaking that type of work?
In January, 1972, the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards were asked for their observations on the recommendation of the National Prices Commission that a consumer research and testing unit be established within the institute. In August, 1973, the institute indicated that as a body primarily serving industry they had been at considerable pains to build up an image of service to the industrial sector which they thought might be undermined by their taking on the role of watchdog for the consumer. The then Minister endorsed that view in anticipation of the institute putting it forward. The testing facilities of the institute are for the most part primarily intended as a service to manufacturers. However, for a number of years a successful consumer complaint service has been operated by the institute using these facilities. The Deputy will realise that the institute are autonomous and, therefore, there can be no question of the Government formally directing the institute to set up such a centre. It can be taken that if the Minister was to tell the institute that he wanted such a centre set up it would be done.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that that report from the institute was issued four years ago and it is most unlikely that the current board of the institute, the chairman of which is also chairman of the National Prices Commission, might not necessarily share that view? Will the Parliamentary Secretary use her good offices to inquire from the institute if they would now be in a position to undertake that vital work?
I was at pains to stress that the report was prepared four years ago. However, very little progress, if any, was made during the term of office of the previous Government. I can assure the House that the Minister, and myself, are endeavouring to have the report from the National Consumer Advisory Council as soon as possible so that action can be taken to protect the consumer.
What aspects of the proposal from the National Prices Commission, based on a submission made to them by the Consumers' Association of Ireland, are being examined by the National Consumer Advisory Council? What matters promoted the Parliamentary Secretary to seek the advice of the NCAC?
The joint proposals from the Consumers' Association of Ireland and the Irish Housewives' Association which were submitted to my Department contained some excellent recommendations and I submitted them to the NCAC.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.