Consumer Credit Bill

We were pleased to put our names to Amendments Nos. 13 and 15. However, regarding Amendment No. 13, my attention has been drawn to the fact that in response to the tabling of this amendment in Committee in the other place, the Minister responded:"““new section 77A(1) says that the creditor shall give the debtor a statement. In section 189 of the Consumer Credit Act, ‘give’ is defined as ‘deliver or send by an appropriate method’ and therefore covers electronic communication””.—[Official Report, Commons Standing Committee D, 23/06/05; col. 20.]" I shall be grateful if the Minister will confirm that understanding. While I am on my feet, I shall deal with Amendment No. 15, the purpose of which has been set out by the noble Lord, Lord Razzall. We support the amendment because we feel that his wording would make things clearer to creditors and debtors alike. I will be glad to hear the Minister’s comments on this drafting point.