Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by John Butterfill (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 29 October 2008 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: The Prime Minister will be aware of the widespread public concern about foreclosures on mortgage properties, particularly by banks like Northern Rock. Is he aware that some other debts—unsecured debts such as those on store cards—are being purchased by debt factoring companies, which are then applying to the courts for attachment to properties, subsequently obtaining possession of them for trivial debt? Is that a correct interpretation of the law, and if it is, does not the law need to be changed?

Answer: I am aware of that problem; we are looking into it. I believe that changes will be needed in practice.

Secondary information