§ Huw Irranca-DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures the Government is taking regarding extortionate interest rates used by door-to-door lenders. [85802]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonIn July last year I announced a review of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and in August this year I published a report on the progress of the review, which included emerging ideas on how to increase protection for consumers against extortionate credit. I will be consulting on more detailed proposals in the early part of 2003. The review is also looking at ways of improving the current licensing regime to ensure better regulations of lenders.