asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is satisfied that the present hire-purchase laws are being observed, by hire-purchase companies; and if any complaints have been received by his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hire-Purchase Laws.
162.
Present hire-purchase laws are of two kinds: those designed to protect the parties in hire-purchase agreements, and those intended to control the amount of hire-purchase business in the national interest. As to the first kind, there have been no complaints for quite some time and I am satisfied that requirements are being generally complied with. As regards the second type of control I have mentioned, that is, control of the amount of hire-purchase business done, regular surveillance is maintained by my Department. My information is that the position is generally satisfactory, but some complaints from business firms that competitors are not complying with the relevant orders are being investigated at present.