HC Deb 19 February 1957 vol 565 cc203-4
40. Miss Burton

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the particular action he is taking regarding protection against repossession afforded to hirers of caravans which serve as a home where the hirer is unemployed or on short time.

Mr. Erroll

Although the protection against repossession afforded to hirers of residential caravans by the Hire-Purchase Acts applies only to agreements under which the hire-purchase price does not exceed £300, I have no evidence that unwarranted repossessions are taking place where the agreement is not covered by the Acts, and I do not consider any change in the limit to be necessary.

Miss Burton

While, for a change, expressing my appreciation to the Minister for what the Board of Trade did for a constituent of mine at such short notice, and while thanking the headquarters of United Dominions Trust for the action which it took, may I ask the hon. Gentleman if he would not agree that his answer scarcely tallies with the fact that the local office threatened to take repossession of the caravan of a man who is out of work, who is on National Assistance, whose wife is expecting a baby, and who has already paid more than £400 out of some £500? Does he not think that should be stopped?

Mr. Erroll

I appreciate the kind remarks of the hon. Lady. I have looked into this case very carefully; I think that there has been some misunderstanding, and I have reason to believe that matters will proceed satisfactorily in the future in this case.