Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Bill [HL]

I was under the impression that we spent some time about two weeks ago discussing much of what is included in these amendments and the purpose of the Bill. My understanding was that the purpose, certainly in respect of the amalgamation of Postwatch and Energywatch, and the establishment of the various institutions under the umbrella of the National Consumer Council, is to integrate the functions and create a smoother and more easily accessible form of consumer access. Concerns were then expressed, but, having accepted that principle, albeit because we do not divide on Second Reading in this House, we do not need to go round the track again. If there is a defect in this Bill it is that it does not go far enough. We should take into account the fact that Ofcom, the transport consumer councils and other bodies are not included. They should be included, because if we are arguing for a central focal point for consumer concerns, it would be better to have a single number and a single place to call. Anyone who uses call centres these days knows only too well that the first number is only the first of many that you have to deal with, and you are then offered a choice of X,Y and Z. So if we had a straightforward 0800 number—although I know that the Minister is not in a position to offer that—you could go to a place that deals that with energy, gas, electricity, telecoms, television, cable television and so on. Relatively quickly, you would have a fairly straightforward way in which to contact people. I am not opposed to an integrated consumer complaints system. I repeat my belief that if there is a criticism of this Bill it is that it does not go far enough and that post, energy and water are not enough. But I realise that the political reality is that the other departments, financial services and the Treasury, as I said of the Treasury earlier, give up nothing, and that they will probably hang about as some sort of predatory presence. If the DTI is to be dismembered, they will go around picking up any bones and scraps that they can get their teeth into. But that is for another day and time. In large measure, this group of amendments is not really probing. It is going back to the debate that we had two weeks ago, and I am not sure that we really need it. I hope that the noble Baroness, who has made a number of very useful contributions, will set aside this last one so that we can move on to something worth while. There is a lot of meat on this legislation, and we could usefully use the Government’s proposals to advance the interests of consumers. Although I am not totally uncritical of the Bill, as most Members of the Committee will appreciate, I none the less believe that it is something we should give good wind to.