HC Deb 25 March 1999 vol 328 cc364-5W
Ms Moran

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to give the Office of Fair Trading a role in relation to mortgage deals. [77049]

Dr. Howells

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced on 10 March 1998,Official Report, columns 263–64, a package of measures to improve information for consumers on mortgages and on other credit marketing. These will give consumers a fairer deal and tackle confusion caused by lenders presenting information in different ways. The Office of Fair Trading would have enforcement responsibilities under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 in relation to these measures.

I have no further plans to extend the role of the Office of Fair Trading in relation to mortgage deals. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be carrying out a review later this year on the regulation of mortgage advice.