§ Ms. MowlamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what obligations debt collecting agencies are under to ensure that the information upon which they act is accurate and true; and what responsibilities are held by companies employing debt collecting agencies on their behalf.
§ Mr. LeighDebt collecting is a licenseable activity under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. The licensing system is administered by the Director General of Fair Trading and he has the power to refuse or revoke a licence if he believes that a business is not fit to engage in the activities covered by the licence. In reaching his decision, he will take account of any business practices which appear to him to be deceitful or oppressive or otherwise unfair or improper, whether unlawful or not. I will ask the director general to write to the hon. Member.