§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received concerning the company, Dolphin Bathrooms, Drumage road, Worcester, England, and the signing of uncompleted finance agreement by pensioners in Clydesdale; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. MaudeI have been asked to reply.
Neither my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry not my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has received such representations.
Under the Consumer Credit Act a regulated agreement is not properly executed unless the document presented for signature embodies all the terms of the agreement, other than the implied terms. Improperly executed agreements are enforceable only at the discretion of the court.
Action on individual cases of alleged abuse in relation to consumer credit is a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading and for the local authorities who both have relevant functions under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. If the hon. Gentleman has evidence of such abuse, I hope that he will give it to the Director General or to the trading standards department of the local authority concerned.