To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the key functions of the consumer credit licensing appeals system; when the system was established; and by what authority. [9634]

Under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 the Director General of Fair Trading can decide not to grant, or to revoke, a consumer credit licence.In the event that the director general decides to refuse an application for a licence, or to revoke an existing licence, the Act provides for a right of appeal to the Secretary of State. The procedure for appeals is set out in the 1976 appeals regulations.I am considering making revisions to the 1976 regulations to speed up the appeals procedure and improve the decision making process. I have issued a consultation paper and will finalise the policy when I have considered the responses. A copy of the consultation paper is in the Library of the House.