asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what is the current policy of his Department towards making grants for the establishment and running of consumer advice centres; and if he has plans to change this policy.
In making grants available for the establishment and running costs of new consumer advice centres in Great Britain my Department has adhered to the guidelines described in its circular to local authorities No. 9/75 of 1st September 1975. I am sending the hon. Member a copy. In considering applications for grants, my right hon. Friend has been particularly concerned to extend the national coverage of these centres. The new grant for 1977–78 which my right hon. Friend announced on 22nd November 1976, in reply to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Bedwellty (Mr. Kinnock), will contribute to the costs of consumer advice centres, in order to maintain the national coverage achieved by 31st March 1977. Discussions on the details of the new grant will shortly take place between my Department and local authority associations.