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Protecting the consumer

By an interesting coincidence the Consumer Affairs Authority Bill came to be debated and passed in Parliament at a time when the prices of some essential consumables, such as bread and cooking gas, registered a rise. We are reminded, once again, of the heavy risks involved in States abandoning consumers to market forces. Governments sensitive to public opinion do not usually free themselves of their responsibilities towards the consumer and it is encouraging to realise that the present administration is seeking to protect consumer interests through the Consumer Affairs Authority Act.

We have had the "open economy" with us for more than two decades and have seen that the market mechanism doesn't always act in consonance with consumers' interests. A degree of State intervention is necessary to protect the interests of consumers in the context of the liberalized economy, particularly out of consideration for the poor majority whose earnings and wages do not keep pace with the accelerating cost of living. So, it is with a measure of hope that we welcome the establishment of the Consumer Affairs Authority, some of the functions of which were explained to Parliament on Thursday by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Ravi Karunanayake.

As could be seen, the powers of the Authority are comprehensive and diverse. These include, the issuing of general instructions to manufacturers and traders in regard to labelling, price marking, packeting and sale of goods, besides guarding the consumer against unfair trading practices. Besides helping in the establishment of consumer associations, the Authority is also expected to keep the consumer informed about the quality, quantity, potency, and purity of goods.

It will also inquire into complaints by consumers against traders.

Everything, therefore, seems fine on paper, but as was pointed out by some MPs, firm implementation of the law is as crucial as the formal setting-up of institutions on consumer affairs. It is in the task of implementation that State agencies are usually found wanting and we hope this fate wouldn't befall the envisaged Authority. The past years should have proved to governments that all traders couldn't be expected to observe ethical principles too scrupulously. Sections of the trading community, left to themselves, wouldn't obey the directives of the State unless compelled to do so. The past year's price rises should alone prove this. We, therefore, call for the firm implementation of regulations concerning consumer affairs, including the prosecution of unfair traders. Another interesting issue which was thrown-up by the parliamentary debate on Thursday was the need to cover charges levied in channelling doctors, legal fees and the fees charged by "International Schools" etc, by the Consumer Affairs Authority Act.

This category of expenses is usually excluded from public debates on living costs. However, these charges too aggravate the cost of living issue. For instance, channelling some doctors and engaging sections of legal opinion, tend to drain the purse of the average salary earner. As for the poor, they have to simply forget about "specialized medical attention" and litigation.

If the law is to be enforced equitably or fairly, all categories of expenses borne by the people should be brought within the rubric of consumer protection laws. It is not only the small trader resorting to blackmarketeering who exploits the public. Unscrupulous practitioners of prestigious professions do so too.

They too must be brought to justice if the public weal is to be served.

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