§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to review(a) the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and (b) the Estate Agents Act 1979. [97503]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 9 November 1999]: Last July I announced in the Government's White Paper "Modern Markets: Confident Consumers", my plans to review the effectiveness of the extortionate credit bargain and consumer credit licensing provisions of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. These reviews are now under way. I also invited consumer and business groups to send me their views on how the Act can be improved and I will consider carefully any responses I receive.
The Director General of Fair Trading has a duty to keep under review the working and enforcement of the Estate Agents Act 1979.