The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1990-1997

1983-1987 Parliament

Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on Debt Collection Agencies – 24 October 1985

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on Debt Collection Agencies on 24th October 1985.


Mr. Gordon Brown Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in what circumstances his Department makes arrangements with debt-collection agencies for direct debit of outstanding debts; how many claimants are now covered by this procedure; whether money-lending agencies can benefit from this procedure; what check is made of the debt-collection agencies who benefit; and whether any charge is made on the debt-collection agencies for the service provided.

Mr. Major The Department does not under any circumstances make arrangements for money to be deducted from any claimant’s benefit for payment direct to a debt collection agency or a money lending agency.