The Student Council last night voted approval of a standing committee to mediate between the student body and merchants in the Cambridge and Boston areas.

The committee, which will include a member from each undergraduate class and a legal adviser, will meet with local merchants and trade groups to acquaint the merchants with the students' needs.

It will also act as a mediating body against merchants and for opposing "distasteful business practices."

The group, in addition, will publish material to orient incoming freshmen to shopping problems and opportunities in Cambridge and Boston.