HC Deb 29 November 1960 vol 631 c176
2. Mr. Bence

asked the Lord Advocate what action he proposes taking against companies in Scotland operating credit schemes the propriety of which appears doubtful.

The Lord Advocate

I am prepared to consider taking proceedings in any case where an offence appears to have been committed. One case is at present pending in regard to an alleged contravention of the Hire-Purchase and Credit Sale Agreements (Control) Order, 1960.

Mr. Bence

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider taking action against a company which has sued a young man, who signed his name as the guarantor for the purchase of a product, not to pay a debt owing on the product, but to pay for service repairs to the product after the buyer of the product had paid for it?

The Lord Advocate

If the hon. Member will give me particulars of the case, I shall certainly investigate it to find whether any criminal offence has been committed.

Mr. W. Hamilton

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that Members, certainly on this side, are being swamped with cases from Messrs. Napiers, of Ayr? Is the Lord Advocate taking steps to see whether the law cannot be reformed or modified to prohibit what amounts to this legalised form robbery?

The Lord Advocate

The question of legislation is being actively considered by my night hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the President of the Board of Trade and myself.

Mr. G. Brown

That has killed it.

The Lord Advocate

The swamping has reached me, too.