§ Mr. Blackasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the application made to him on behalf of doctors for some relaxation in the restrictions on the hire-purchase of motor cars: and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftYes. To assist doctors in their service to the public, I am willing to consider applications for licences from doctors in or entering general practice who do not own and have not recently owned a car, allowing them to pay off the balance of the purchase price in a longer period than the maximum of 18 months laid down in the Hire-Purchase and Credit Sale Agreements (Control) Order, 1952. Applications will not normally be considered in respect of cars costing more than £800, and the maximum period for repayment will be three years. Doctors who satisfy these conditions may apply for licences through their professional organisations or direct to the Board of Trade.