"The recommendation that the Code should contain a responsible lending provision needs to be considered by ABA members in the first instance and needs to take account of the Federal Government's plans in consumer credit regulation," said David Bell, CEO of the Australian Bankers Association, in a statement issued yesterday.Bell said he anticipates a positive response from its member banks to "most if not all of McClelland's recommendations." Catriona Lowe, co-chief executive of Victoria's Consumer Action Law Centre said there were many positives in McClelland's recommendations but was concerned that some banks may not sign up to the new Code."There were substantial delays and failures in this regard with the last review. It is time the ABA explored authorisation with the ACCC to enable membership of the ABA to be conditional upon signing on to the Code."Consumer groups have cautiously welcomed the report of the independent reviewer of the banking code of conduct but have raised concerns about the review's failure to set a specific level for penalty/exception fees or to come down harder on unsolicited credit card limit increase offers.They are also positive about the recommendations McClelland has made in relation to debt collection."The Code now requires that banks only sell to collectors that are members of an ASIC approved EDR scheme. "This is huge step forward as resolving consumer complaints with debt collectors can be very problematic."