HC Deb 15 April 1965 vol 710 cc1651-2
32. Mr. Rose

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will review the operation of section 4(1) of the Hire Purchase Act, 1964, is so far as the minimum purchase price of £30 is concerned.

Mr. Jay

This new provision only came into operation on 1st January, and I think it is too early to assess how it is working out in practice.

Mr. Rose

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the majority of articles sold by door-to-door salesmen cost less than £30? Is he further aware that many purchasers are misled with a false sense of security because of the provisions of the Act regarding the cooling-off period? Would he, therefore, take some action to publicise the situation and also examine the operation of the existing law?

Mr. Jay

Yes, I will take note of what my hon. Friend says and watch the operation of the law; but as it has been in operation for such a very short time, I do not think that we should yet consider proposals to amend it.

Mr. Ogden

Will my right hon. Friend agree that salesmen are not necessarily bad simply because they are door-to-door salesmen? The majority of salesmen who by virtue of the practice of their calling go from door to door, do a worthwhile and useful job. It is the minority of those in this occupation of whom we have complaint.

Mr. Jay

Yes, I think that is perfectly true.

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