§ 41. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection how many hearing-aid firms have now received authorisation under Section 49 of the Consumer Credit Act, or under the provisions governing canvassing off trade premises, to negotiate credit for the sale of hearing aids.
§ Mr. John FraserIndividual authorisations are not given under Section 49 of the Act. Section 23(3) empowers the Director General of Fair Trading to grant licences specifically authorising the canvassing off trade premises of debtor-creditor-supplier agreements and regulated consumer hire agreements. Information as to the number of licences covering canvassing issued to hearing aid firms is not available, as the Director General's register relates only to credit or hire licence categories. If my hon. Friend has any particular firm or problem in mind, he should write to the Director General.