§ 58. Mr. HALL-CAINEasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware of the activities of debt recovery agents in threatening poor persons with regard to the consequences of not meeting accounts; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the increase in the use of such agents for the collection of debts?
§ The SOLICITOR - GENERAL (Sir Donald Somervell)I do not think that an inquiry would serve any useful purpose. If a creditor merely threatens to enforce his legal rights, that is not unlawful, whether he employs an agent or not. The criminal law has recently been strengthened so as to prohibit dunning letters which have the appearance of having been issued under the authority of the county court. If that is the kind of offence which my hon. Friend has in mind, any particular cases of which he is aware should be brought to the attention of the police authorities or the Director of Public Prosecutions, and proper inquiry will be made.
§ Mr. BEVANHas the hon. and learned Gentleman made no real inquiry to find out the extent of this abuse? Is he not aware that poor people are subject to a great deal of intimidation, and that in particular ex-police officers have been employed in large numbers and that they use methods which are wholly undesirable?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERALI have answered the question. If a creditor threatens to enforce his legal rights that is not unlawful. If the hon. Member has any evidence in his possession which he thinks amounts to an abuse or will justify consideration, I shall be ready to comsider it.
§ Mr. BEVANWill the hon. and learned Gentleman write to the registrars of the courts and find out their experience? They are all indignant about this practice. The hon. and learned Gentleman has taken no real steps to find out about it. Will he do so?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERALI say that if the hon. Member has evidence in his possession which he thinks will justify the course of action he suggests. I will consider it.
§ Mr. BEVANWill the hon. and learned Gentleman make the necessary inquiries to find out the facts before he answers the question in the House?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERALNot in the absence of evidence that such inquiries are necessary.