HC Deb 25 March 1970 vol 798 cc1426-7
32. Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the recent increase in the number of debts sent by businesses for collection by trade protection societies; and what action he proposes to take.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

Yes, Sir. I have, however, received no recent or significant complaint about trade protection societies, and I do not contemplate any action at the present time.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

Since the rate of business failures is rising alarmingly, and many trade creditors are losing their money, would the hon. Lady consider whether it is not right to redefine the term "fradulent trading", since many people are trading much too long, even though, under the present restrictive definition, it is impossible to bring them to book?

Mrs. Dunwoody

I am prepared to look at this point, because it astonishes me how easily people appear to obtain long lines of credit when it must be obvious that they cannot pay.