HC Deb 15 December 1955 vol 547 cc1381-3
37. Miss Burton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a statement concerning his discussions with the trade associations in so far as amendment of the Hire Purchase Act, 1954, is concerned.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Peter Thorneycroft)

I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Lady on 22nd November.

Miss Burton

Surely the right hon. Gentleman realises that this is getting monotonous? What is to happen about the misleading advertisements which are deliberately inserted in the Press to confuse would-be customers? Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that I sent him an example, which he himself said in this House was confusing, on 10th November last?

Mr. Thorneycroft

There is some force in the criticism of these advertisements, but I have consulted the trade associations, I have had discussion with them, and I am now considering their views, which are conflicting.

Miss Burton

Does not the Minister realise that these advertisements and tricks will continue until all hire-purchase traders are compelled to state, in advertisements in the Press, the cash price, the number of instalments, the amount of each instalment and the hire-purchase price?

Mr. Thorneycroft

But the hon. Lady realises that legislation would be required to give effect to that?

Miss Burton

Yes, I know.

40. Mr. C. Pannell

asked the President of the Board of Trade what reply he has made to the representations of the city of Leeds that the sale of furniture and furnishings to its council house tenants should be exempted from the provisions of the Hire-Purchase and Credit Sale Agreements (Control) Order, 1955, Statutory Instrument, 1955, No. 297.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Leeds, South-East (Miss Bacon) on 8th December.

Mr. Pannell

But does the President of the Board of Trade appreciate that the other Members of Parliament are not prepared to accept that stupid reply? Is he further aware that his policy runs counter to the advertised policy of the Minister of Housing and Local Government for a drive on slum clearance? What is the use of a drive on slum clearance if we prevent authorities from providing the furniture and the bedding for the needy tenants? Is he aware that this is a nonprofit-making affair—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"]—I know that Members on the other side of the House do not care anything about slum clearance. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Answer will not do, and that we must have a more intelligent answer to the Question?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The reasons for these hire-purchase restrictions have been explained fully on other occasions, and I do not propose to elaborate them now.

Mr. Pannell

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, Mr. Speaker, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment as early as possible.