§ Mr. George Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if he will make a statement about the implementation of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.
§ Mr. John FraserI have made an order which will bring into force further provisions of the Consumer Credit Act.
The provision in the Act making the creditor liable jointly with the supplier in respect of a misrepresentation or breach of contract where the credit is extended under a pre-existing arrangement between the supplier and the creditor will be effective from 1st July. From 6W 1st October it will be an offence to canvass or solicitor debtor-creditor agreements (cash loans) off trade premises except where the visit has been requested in writing or in certain limited circumstances allowed by the Director General of Fair Trading. The provision in the Act prohibiting the sending of unsolicited credit cards will be effective from 1st July and from the same date it will be an offence to send to a minor any document inviting him to borrow money, obtain goods or services on credit or hire or to apply for information on credit or hire.
Copies of the order are not at present available from Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Copies of the text have, however, been placed in the Libraries of both Houses, the Vote Office and the Printed Paper Office.