Debts and Loans

HC Deb 25 March 1988 vol 130 cc234-5W

Mr. Ashley

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) if he will introduce legislation to require voluntary organisations which give advice to individuals concerning personal debts and loans to be licensed under the Consumer Credit Act 1974; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will introduce legislation to require commercial organisations which give advice to individuals concerning personal debts and loans to be licensed under the Consumer Credit Act 1974; and if he will make a statement;

(3) if he will introduce legislation to require any organisation which gives advice to individuals concerning personal loans from the social fund to be licensed under the Consumer Credit Act 1974; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maude

Under sections 21 and 147 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, any voluntary or commercial organisations which carry on a business of debt counselling must be licensed by the Director General of Fair Trading.