§ 4. Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what effect the Consumer Transactions (Restrictions on Statements) Order will have upon the availability of hire-purchase facilities on domestic goods.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Prices and Consumer Protection (Mr. John Fraser)I do not consider that the Order will have any effect on the availability of hire-purchase facilities.
§ Mr. AdleyAs the Order will undoubtedly increase the cost of credit to shoppers, will the hon. Gentleman say whether that is the Government's intention or whether it is merely another example of the accidents which unfortunately seem to continue to befall this Government?
§ Mr. FraserI do not accept the hon. Gentleman's premise that the Order will increase the cost of finance. It will increase protection for the consumer, and I think that the whole House will welcome that.