The Council recommends that member states take appropriate measures to encourage, in accordance with their national traditions and circumstances, the provision of consumer education for adults both in the framework of the general public systems of adult education and otherwise; for example, by assisting consumer-oriented bodies to provide such education. Ways should also be found to educate the elderly and other vulnerable groups in their consumer rights. Special educational material should be developed with reference to various consumer groups, and adequate training should be provided for those responsible for teaching the material. Mass media organizations should, without compromising their editorial independence, facilitate the regular diffusion of educational materials concerning the whole range of problems faced by consumers, particularly with reference to disadvantaged population groups. Further, the mass media should discourage any provisions in professional codes relating to press comment in the consumer field which discourages fair comparative assessment of different products or services within the limits prescribed by existing national law. The media should also provide objective information on the results of comparative tests related to consumer interests. Further, member states should develop a network of regional and/or local centers from which citizens can obtain impartial advice and information on consumer matters, either in person, by telephone, or by correspondence. (Author abstract modified)