asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what was the cost to public funds of the circular letter dated 19th January 1976 with the accompanying four forms, leaflet and booklet sent out by the Office of Fair Trading to recipients described as very likely to need to be licensed under the Consumer Credit Act 1974; and how many were sent to barristers and other trades and professions whose business was in no way covered by the terms of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

This is a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading and I am asking him to write to the hon. Member. However, costs incurred by the Director General in administering the licensing provisions of the Consumer Credit Act will be financed by fees charged under the Act.