§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will refer the Provincial Building Society's Masterplan to the Restrictive Practices Court; and if she will make a statement.
Mr. Alan WilliamsThe Restrictive Trade Practices (Services) Order 1976 will come into force on 22nd March and information about existing restrictive agreements will have to be furnished to the Director General of Fair Trading within three months of that date. If the hon. Member has information about a potentially registrable agreement involving the Provincial Building Society he should send details to the Director General.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection (1) if she will refer the Provincial Building Society's Masterplan to the Office of Fair Trading for investigation;
(2) if she is satisfied that the consumer has freedom of choice under the Provincial Building Society's Masterplan.
Mr. Alan WilliamsThe Director General of Fair Trading is already considering various aspects of the building societies' participation in insurance matters including the arrangements made by the Provincial Building Society. I cannot anticipate his conclusions, but I understand that this Society offers potential borrowers a choice of insurance arrangements.