CONSUMERS’ PROTECTION

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28552, 3 April 1958, Page 9

CONSUMERS’ PROTECTION

Move By Public Service Body

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 2,

The New Zealand Public Service Association will ask the Government to set up a committee, comprising Government nominees, representatives of employee groups, housewives and others, with the functions and powers necessary to ensure the “widest protection to the consumer against various forms of commercial exploitation,” says a supplied report.

In the light of a decision at its last annual conference, the association, in co-operation with other interested organisations, has been seeking ways of sponsoring the formation of consumer resistance groups.

Its executive committee last night unanimously endorsed a resolution from the Wellington section calling for the establishment of the proposed committee. The association, the report continues, considers the committee should among other things, have power to:

Investigate excessively high prices or charges in respect of goods and services, goodwill, housing, rents and accommodation.

Investigate profits and markups of manufacturers and importers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers.

Arrange independent and scientific tests of the quality and relative merits of products. Take action against misleading advertisements.

Publicise the findings of the committee.

Where appropriate, refer cases to the Price Tribunal or other body to take legal proceedings or other action.