Written question asked by Andrew Welsh (Scottish National Party) on Tuesday, 6 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 March 2001. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Monday, 12 March 2001 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if Scottish advice providers have been involved in the discussions of his Department's Indebtedness Task Force; what involvement the Scottish Executive has had in the work currently being undertaken by the Department of Trade and Industry to improve the lending practices of credit providers and the transparency of information provided to consumers.

Answer: Mr. Welsh: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if Scottish advice providers have been involved in the discussions of his Department's indebtedness taskforce; [153074] (2) what involvement the Scottish Executive has had in the work currently being undertaken by the Department of Trade and Industry to improve the lending practices of credit providers and the transparency of information provided to consumers. [153073] Dr. Howells: Both the Scottish Executive and Money Advice Scotland are represented on the overindebtedness discussion group. This group, representing a wide cross- section of interested parties, works alongside the taskforce providing suggestions on areas to be tackled and comment on emerging conclusions, aimed at achieving more responsible lending and borrowing.

Secondary information