HC Deb 20 February 1990 vol 167 c614W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what research he has initiated into the effect of falling house prices on home income annuity schemes; and if he will make a statement;

(2) whether he will refer home income annuity schemes to the Office of Fair Trading to investigate the scale of any associated problems or dangers arising from such schemes and whether any controls or legislation are desirable.

Mr. Forth

Under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 it is the duty of the Director General of Fair Trading to keep under review and from time to time to advise my right hon. Friend about social and commercial developments in the United Kingdom relating to the provision of credit and related activities. I will write to the director general to draw his attention to the hon. Gentleman's questions.

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