§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to set up a body to regulate mortgage lenders; and if he will make a statement. [40772]
§ Mrs. Angela KnightBanks and building societies, which constitute the vast bulk of mortgage providers, are already regulated as deposit takers, and their customers—be they borrowers or depositors—have access to their ombudsman schemes. The Personal Investment Authority has a role in regulating firms which sell, or offer advice on, endowment mortgages. In addition, the Council of Mortgage Lenders, which represents most of the industry, has published a draft code of mortgage lending practice with a view to covering all mortgage lenders.