§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give a total estimate of hire-purchase debt in the United Kingdom at the latest available date; and if he will give a breakdown by each region of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. John FraserI have been asked to reply.
About £3,100 million at the end of October for hire-purchase debt outstanding to finance houses and retailers. The figure includes some credit sales and other instalment credit which cannot be separately distinguished. No regional or country figures are available.