§ 33. Mr. Wadeasked the Minister of Transport whether he has completed his inquiry into the fraudulent disposal of motor vehicles when subject to hire-purchase agreements; and what is the outcome of the inquiry.
§ Mr. MarplesThis inquiry was put in hand in January of this year. As a first step the interests most closely affected were asked to submit their views and recommendations; these have been received and are now being studied.
I cannot say when the inquiry will be completed, or what its outcome is likely to be.
§ Mr. WadeAs to the outcome of this inquiry, is the Minister aware that there are still many cases of fraudulent sales which cause very real hardship for the unfortunate people who have been taken in, and in considering any remedy will he keep in mind the fact that a purchaser who pays cash is not protected by any voluntary arrangement between the hire-purchase companies designed to protect purchasers from this kind of deal?
§ Mr. MarplesI will consider the point which the hon. Member has made.