asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the functions of the National Consumer Advisory Council, to whom it is answerable and if its recommendations are available to the public.
Written Answers. - National Consumer Advisory Council.
399.
The National Consumer Advisory Council was established in November 1973 by the then Minister for Industry and Commerce. Its functions are to advise in legislation and other measures needed in the interests of consumers. The terms of reference of the council are:
1. to advise on the introduction of legislation which the council feels is needed to assure consumers' interests;
2. to press for the adequate enforcement of existing legislation where the council feels that this is not being done;
3. to make representations to manufacturers and traders on the voluntary adoption of measures in the consumers' interests;
4. to advise, as requested, on proposals for national standards, for Codex standards or for EEC directives on food or other consumer goods;
5. to maintain contact with similar organisations abroad;
6. generally to advise the Minister on all matters relevant to assuring consumers' interests.
The council is a non-statutory body and reports directly to me. It is a matter for my discretion to make available to the public the recommendations of the council.