To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further representations he has made to retail outlets on the rates of interest being charged to customers for credit.

My right hon. Friend has made no such representations. In a competitive market each retailer decides what credit terms to offer and consumers have a choice between alternative sources of credit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further representations he has made to retail outlets on the rates of interest being charged to customers for credit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further representations he has made to retail outlets on the rates of interest being charged to customers for credit.

I have made no such representations. In a competitive market each retailer decides what credit terms to offer and consumers have a choice between alternative sources of credit.