Mrs Thatcher backs the master craftsmen's plan

A decision by the Guild of Master Craftsmen to provide the consumer with a register of skilled craftsmen in every town was applauded yesterday by Mrs Thatcher, leader of the Conservative Party.

Speaking in London as patron of the guild, she said: “You have set your members high standards and it is important that you should live up to them. As a member of the public, I applaud what you are doing in honouring your crafts and giving service to the public.”

The local registers will be based on the nucleus of 600 craftsmen and companies already members of the guild. By using only master craftsmen, the guild hopes to protect housewives against “the increasing number of inexperienced ‘cowboys’ posing as masters of their craft” .

Before applicants are accepted for membership the guild seeks recommendations from their recent customers. Account is also taken of the applicant's qualifications and experience.