Banks came under further pressure over credit cards on Tuesday after MPs were told the tragic tale of a 21-year-old disabled man who committed suicide as his debts mounted.
Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, highlighted the case of the man who took his own life owing £15,000 in debt - including money on an HBOS loan and credit card. Since then debt collectors have pursued the family.
Mr Lamb told a Treasury select committee hearing: "His father is convinced that the size of the debt was part of the pressure he was under and feels passionately that banks need to lend responsibly. How is it that difficulties can occur?"
James Crosby, chief executive of HBOS who was being questioned by the committee, said the bank would review the case.
"It shouldn't happen," he told the committee.
Fergus Brownlee, UK chief executive of Capital One and Eric Daniels, chief executive of Lloyds TSB, also appeared before the committee, which is investigating credit card transparency and charges.
All three chief executives were asked by John Mann, MP for Bassetlaw, how, in another case, an unemployed constituent who had never worked for 10 years had been offered four credit cards - including ones from their banks.
"How come you did not pick up that this constituent had no income?" he asked.
MPs also attacked Capital One, the US credit card issuer, for "hiding" key information about interest charges in small print.
Mr Brownlee of was asked why he did not follow the lead of the other banks and use bigger print for the summary box - which details all main credit card charges and is included on application forms.
Angela Eagle, Labour MP for Wallasey, accused the US credit card company of "complying in the most grudging way so you do not want your customers to notice it."
John McFall, chairman of the select committee, added: "It's hard to avoid the conclusion that you're deliberately trying to hide the summary box in the most obscure place and the smallest print. I am putting reading glasses on and finding it hard to read."
George Mudie, Labour MP for Leeds East, criticised HBOS for referring to customers, who were in default as "delinquents".
Mr Crosby replied: "We will not use that word again - it is an industry term."
