HC Deb 11 December 1985 vol 88 c625W
Sir John Page

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his estimate of the present number of individuals selling life policies and selling unit trusts who would have to be licensed for part-time as well as full-time work if his proposed legislation came into effect.

Mr. Dykes

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, before deciding whether to compel all individuals selling life policies and all individuals selling unit trusts to become licensed, he will estimate the present number of such persons who would have to be licensed for part-time as well as full-time work.

Mr. Howard

When the Marketing of Investments Board organising committee makes a detailed case to me for the inclusion of licensing in the forth-coming Financial Services Bill, I shall look at all relevant aspects of the case, including what information the committee has on the number of salesmen likely to be covered by such a licensing scheme. It is very difficult to produce firm estimates of the numbers involved, particularly because it ranges from those involved in selling such products on a full-time basis to an even larger number who occasionally sell such products.