CORRECTING ABUSES

Evening Star, Issue 22952, 9 May 1938, Page 11

CORRECTING ABUSES

HIRE-PURCHASE SYSTEM

BILL BEFORE BRITISH PARLIAMENT

(British Official Wireless.) Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright

RUGBY, May 6,

In a 1 short session, the House of Commons gave unopposed third readings to two Bills introduced by private members. 1

One of the Bills, which was sponsored by Miss Ellen Wilkinson, is intended to correct abuses in the hire purchase system. It received support from all parties and the '.approval of the Government, as well as a sympathetic reception, by the leading houses of the hire-purchase business.

This measure is really regarded as of major social importance in affording protection _to the hirer from unscrupulous practices which have developed in connection with hire-purchase agreements. such, as “snatch back’’ and “ doubling up.” At the same time, the provisions . have been carefully framed in consultation with the trade interests affected, so as not to hamper unfairly a system which is economically beneficial in many ways. In the case of wireless sets alone it is estimated that some 70 per cent, of the trade is clone on hire-purchase agreements.