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FG 169 (National Commission on Consumer Finance) (White House Central Files: Subject Files)

Abstract

These Presidential historical materials are in the custody of the National Archives and Records Administration under the provisions of Title I of the Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act of 1974 (44 U.S.C. 2111 note), and implementing regulations. In accordance with the act and regulations, archivists reviewed the file group to identify private or personal as well as non-historical items. Such items, if found, have been withdrawn for return to the individual with primary proprietary or commemorative interest in them.

Materials covered by this act have been archivally processed and are described in this finding aid. Items that are security classified or otherwise restricted under the act and regulations have been removed and placed in a closed file. A Document Withdrawal Record (NA Form 14021) has been placed in the front of each folder describing each withdrawn item. Employees of the National Archives will review periodically the unclassified portions of closed materials for the purpose of opening those which no longer require restrictions. Classified documents may be reviewed for declassification under authority of Executive Order 13526 in response to Mandatory Review Request (NA Form 14020) submitted by the researcher.

  • Linear measurement of materials:   1.25 in.
  • Number of pages:   150
Organizational Note

The National Commission on Consumer Finance was established by the Consumer Credit Protection Act (PL 90-321) of May 29, 1968, for the purpose of studying and appraising the functioning and structure of the consumer finance industry, as well as consumer credit transactions generally. The Commission consisted of nine members: three members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate; three members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House; and three members appointed by the President. Chaired by law professor Robert Braucher, members held the first meeting of the Commission on December 11, 1969; Braucher served as chair from November 7, 1969 to January 19, 1971, and attorney Ira M. Millstein followed from January 20, 1971 to December 31, 1972.

In its final report, the Commission was required to cover the following three topics: the adequacy of existing arrangements to provide consumer credit at reasonable rates; the adequacy of existing supervisory and regulatory mechanisms to protect the public from unfair practices, and insure the informed use of consumer credit; and the desirability of Federal chartering of consumer finance companies, or other Federal regulatory measures. With the publication of the Commission’s final report, Consumer Credit in the United States, on December 31, 1972, the Commission disbanded.

Scope and Content Note

The records consist of correspondence, memoranda, newsclippings, and press releases dating from 1969 to 1973 that relate to the National Capital Housing Authority. Primary correspondents include the President, Peter Flanigan, Harry S. Flemming, Virginia Knauer, Ira Millstein, Herbert O’Conor, and Jonathan Rose. Corresponding oversized attachment 12484 has been processed and is available in White House Central Files: Processed Oversized Attachments.

The terms Executive and General are used before the code FG 169 generally to determine the source of the materials. Items designated Executive are communications among national, foreign, state and local governments and their agencies, Members of Congress, and other prominent people. Items designated General are communications between Government officials and private citizens, institutions, and other private interests.