HC Deb 25 March 1958 vol 585 cc29-30W
95. Mr. Hamilton

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many complaints he has received from individuals in Scotland about the trading activities of the personal credit firm of N. G. Napier Limited, of Ayr; whether he is satisfied that this firm is operating within the terms of Statutory Instrument, 1957, No. 430; and whether he will initiate a publicity campaign to warn the public of the dangers involved in signing either hire purchase or credit sale agreements before carefully studying the full implications of them.

Mr. Erroll

Twenty-one complaints have been received since December, 1956. I cannot comment on the legality of the firm's proceedings. It is of course desirable that the public should familiarise themselves with the terms of agreements before signing them.

96 and 97. Mr. Hamilton

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is aware of the concern among traders and the public in Scotland caused by the unfair trading practices of such firms as N. G. Napier Limited, of Ayr, which are selling goods on 80 weeks' credit as against 38 weeks given by competitors; that such concern is caused by the difficulty in interpreting the relevant Statutory Instrument, 1957, No. 430; and whether he will make a full statement to show the extent to which the period of credit allowed in Scotland approximates to that allowed in England;

(2) why personal credit firms in Scotland are allowed to sell goods on 80 weeks' credit, whereas in England they are allowed to sell only on 38 weeks' credit; and what steps he intends to take to remedy this anomaly.

Mr. Erroll

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him yesterday. The Hire-Purchase and Credit Sale (Control) Orders apply to the whole of the United Kingdom. They stipulate three different maximum repayment periods, according to the type of agreement covered by the Order.

98. Mr. Royle

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now reduce the deposit of 50 per cent. at present applying to purchases of domestic refrigerators.

Mr. Erroll

No.