Written question asked by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2003. It was answered by Gerry Sutcliffe (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2003 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 she will introduce measures to ban the unsolicited sending of credit card cheques to existing card holders.

Answer: Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will introduce measures to ban the unsolicited sending of credit card cheques to existing card holders. [137020] Mr. Sutcliffe: The Government believes the key to protecting consumers from the adverse effects of such practices as the unsolicited sending of credit card cheques is ensuring responsible lending--expecting the industry to carry out adequate checks before sending credit card cheques; and ensuring all information is adequate and transparent. We are not currently considering introducing measures to ban the unsolicited sending of credit card cheques. Our approach is to empower consumers to make informed decisions. To this end we will outline measures in the Consumer Credit White Paper to ensure responsible lending across the range of lending practices. Any further action is best taken through industry codes of practice. The industry is introducing measures to ensure greater transparency in the issuing of credit card cheques, including the information provided to consumers; and I have asked my officials to work with the industry to examine what further measures are necessary to address the concerns raised by the Treasury Select Committee.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 137020; 413 c1423-4W;413 c1419-20W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Consumers Cheques Credit cards Protection Unsolicited goods and services
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk