I move amendment No. 132:
In page 30, paragraph (a) (i), line 9, to delete ", unless" and substitute "and".
This section is important because it relates to telephone calls by creditors. Various groups made representations to me about this. A creditor shall not visit a consumer at any place between the hours of 9 o'clock in the evening on any week day and 9 o'clock in the morning on the following day, or at any time on a Sunday or a public holiday. The purpose of this section is to ensure that unwanted harassment of consumers does not occur. However, provision has been made for the consent of the consumer to be given to visits which may take place outside normal hours and this has been done in order to facilitate people who work different hours or are on shifts away from home. In paragraph (b), provision has been made for the consent of the consumer to be given in writing in order that correspondence, visits or telephone calls may be made to his employer or any member of his family who is not a party to the agreement.
My amendment seeks to delete "unless" and to substitute "and". This is a drafting amendment arising from various representations made to me. The consumer could consent to visits or telephone calls if he wished because the person who works different hours or shifts may want to be approached at that time.