Consumer Credit Bill

By expanding my hon. Friend’s point, I think that the argument will be elucidated. There is a further problem, in that the ombudsman does not rule on price—in other words, on interest rates. That is clearly central to the problem of unfairness. The ombudsman would have to be given powers in that area. The fairness doctrine improves matters, in that it creates a fear in large organisations that they will be taken to court and that something can be ruled unfair. That is especially important for credit card consumers who often face what I regard as unfair and heavy charges for late payment, or for exceeding a credit limit. Such charges build up. A fear will be instilled in credit companies that they might be taken to court and that they should be cautious.