HC Deb 22 July 1997 vol 298 cc502-3W
Mr. Rowlands

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the key functions of the consumer credit licensing appeals system; when the system was established; and by what authority. [9634]

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

Under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 the Director General of Fair Trading can decide not to grant, or to revoke, a consumer credit licence.

In the event that the director general decides to refuse an application for a licence, or to revoke an existing licence, the Act provides for a right of appeal to the Secretary of State. The procedure for appeals is set out in the 1976 appeals regulations.

I am considering making revisions to the 1976 regulations to speed up the appeals procedure and improve the decision making process. I have issued a consultation paper and will finalise the policy when I have considered the responses. A copy of the consultation paper is in the Library of the House.