Each month the Leisure Record Club offers a new, low-priced LP record to its members, who agree when they join that they will buy at least five records each year. To attract new members a 'free' record is sent on approval to enquirers, who may keep it if they decide to enrol.

Mrs Adamson, a housewife, sent for the 'free' record which she thought would make a useful birthday present for her husband. She did not buy any records during the next twelve months and you have recently written on behalf of the Membership Controller to remind her of the strict rules. This has caused some distress, as she is unable to afford to buy records. You wrote back to suggest that she should return the original 'free' record, but this would obviously cause domestic embarrassment. Using your discretionary authority you have finally written to waive the Club's requirements- and to admit that there was a very long interval between her original application and your first reminder.

Submit a memorandum to the Controller in which you set out full details of the problem and the ensuing correspondence. Indicate what action you took, your reasons, and how the matter has been settled.

Include an appropriate comment and/or suggestion regarding the Club's policy of 'free' offers and its follow-up procedure. The Controller is not likely to be sympathetic. (See also Section 6, pp 93-4.)

(LCC Private Secretary's Certificate)