To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many loan and credit companies are registered; and how many new registrations of such companies there were in each year since 1987. (98692)

The Office of Fair Trading is responsible for consumer credit licensing. OFT current figures show that there are currently 128,944 licence holders. The following table details the number of licences issued each year since 1987.

Since 31 October 2004, the Financial Services Authority has been responsible for regulating mortgage lending. FSA figures record that in 2004-05, the number of regulated mortgage businesses was 3,935 and in 2005-06, the number of such businesses was 3,589.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what (a) legislation and (b) other regulations govern (a) on-line money lending companies and (b) companies taking credit for Christmas goods; and if he will make a statement. (98696)

Companies offering credit to consumers, including by on-line methods, are subject to regulation under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and/or the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. There is no form of regulation with specific application to businesses which take advance payments for goods or vouchers to be delivered at a future date, though all normal consumer, contract and insolvency legislation will apply.

My right hon. Friend the Minister for Trade, is due to meet the chief executive officer of the OFT to ask him to consider reviewing the need for regulation of Christmas club companies.