Consumer Credit Bill

I do not disagree with what my hon. Friend said in the context of clause 50 and amendment No. 4, although if he wishes to clarify his comments I am sure he will use the opportunity afforded to him this evening. Amendment No. 4 is largely technical. It also clarifies the role of the OFT. Without it, there would have been a problem if a criminal action had been launched against the OFT as to the responsibility and actions of persons to whom powers had been subcontracted or delegated. I welcome the clarification that the amendment provides. Finally, I welcome amendment No. 5, which ensures that the affirmative procedure applies to the Bill. I echo the sentiments of the hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr. Davey) with reference to the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill. Hon. Members are concerned about the meaning of legislation, and the Bill seems to drive a coach and horses through large amounts of legislation by means of statutory instruments. Although I welcome the more positive way of making regulations under the Consumer Credit Bill, I remained concerned about other aspects, but that is not a matter for the Minister in the present context. I hope that when the Bill is enacted, it brings about a regulated market that offers diversity, flexibility and a range of credit facilities to everyone in a more responsible way, so that there will be fewer of the cases that many of us continue to see in our constituency caseload, where there has been an unfair relationship test or irresponsible lending. I remain somewhat sceptical, but I note that the Minister has undertaken to review the legislation in due course. During that review, I hope that we will have a further opportunity to see whether it has achieved the ends that it is intended to achieve.