HC Deb 29 July 1965 vol 717 cc674-5
32. Mr. Boston

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to prohibit the type of sales technique in which a customer is persuaded to pay for a home tuition course for which the necessary equipment is provided, only to find after entering into an agreement that the purpose of the arrangement is to sell the equipment.

Mr. Darling

My right hon. Friend has at present no evidence that such steps are necessary, but he is, of course, prepared to consider any specific complaints that my hon. Friend or others may send him.

Mr. Boston

Will my hon. Friend investigate the activities of a certain typewriting school or firm, details of which I have sent to him, which is causing some anxiety in various parts of the country? Second, will he bear in mind cases of the other type, details of which also I have sent to him, in which one of my constituents invested in a course, was involved in considerable expense, and had to withdraw from the course in order to avoid further expense?

Mr. Darling

Yes, Sir; we are investigating both the cases on the basis of the information which my hon. Friend has sent to us.