§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what was the level of total new credit advanced in 1983 and in each of the previous five years for which figures are available;
(2) what was the level of hire purchase and other consumer credit outstanding on 31 December 1983 and on the same date in each of the previous five years for which figures are available;
(3) what was the level of hire purchase credit advanced by finance houses and other specialist organisations in 1983 and in each of the previous five years for which figures are available.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe information available relates to total credit advanced by finance houses, other specialist consumer credit grantors and retailers and is given in the table.
Seasonally adjusted £ million New credit advanced* Total amount outstanding at the end of year† Total finance houses and other specialist consumer credit grantors 1978 6,167 3,469 6,291 1979 7,351 4,331 8,057 1983 7,819 4,560 9,241 1981 7,854 4,650 9,917 1982 9,109 5,639 11,548 1983 10,521 6,839 14,319 * Excluding charges. † Including charges.