§ 63. Mr. Gallacherasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the growth of the provident check system of trading in Scotland; that poor people are persuaded to pay by in stalments 21s. for what are alleged to be checks valued at 20s.; that the shop- keepers supplying goods on these checks give goods to the value of 16s. 6d. and return to the promoters 2s. 6d. for each 20s. worth of checks received; and will he take steps to control and regulate this system of trading, which bears heavily on the poorest sections of our population, and to provide fairer treatment for them?
§ Mr. StanleyI have not previously received any complaints about the operation 2048 of this system. I shall, of course, be prepared to consider any details the hon. Member may care to give me, but, on my present information, I am not clear that any action is called for or possible.
§ Mr. GallacherAre not the details in the question sufficient to warrant an inquiry into the conduct of the organisations that are carrying on this practice?
§ Mr. StanleyApart from those details, I should want certain particulars as to the names, and some proof that in fact control and regulation are necessary.
§ Mr. GallacherAm I to understand that, if the right hon. Gentleman gets the names of the firms and proof that the statement in the question is correct, he will make inquiries into the matter?
§ Mr. StanleyI will certainly see what action is called for if the hon. Gentleman will give me the names and, in particular, proof of the value of the goods which were supplied.