asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection how many surveys or statistical inquiries are being carried out by the National Consumer Council in 1976–77; and what is their nature and purpose and their estimated cost to public funds.

I am asking the Chairman of the National Consumer Council to write to the hon. Member. Two of the surveys undertaken were as a result of references made by my Department: one investigating consumer representation in the nationalised industries; the other the problems low-income consumers face in paying for their fuel.