§ 21 and 22. Mr. W. R. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he will introduce 472 legislation to make compulsory the registration of estate agents, in order to protect the publc against exploitation by unscrupulous agents;
(2) what representations he has received from the professional bodies concerned on the need for legislation to protect the public against exploitation by unscrupulous estate agents; and what was the nature of his reply.
§ 28. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to secure the compulsory registration of estate agents.
§ Mr. VosperMy right hon. Friend has received no representations from the professional bodies concerned, but I understand that negotiations are proceeding among them, and my right hon. Friend would prefer to await their result.
§ Mr. W. R. WilliamsAs the Home Secretary assured me over twelve months ago that he was expecting proposals from some of the professional bodies concerned, is it not time that the Home Office itself took the initiative? Is it not quite clear to the Home Office, as it is to many of us, that there is great concern in many quarters throughout the country about the grossly undesirable practices which are operating in the purchase and renting of houses? Will the Home Office get a move on and see what it can do to prevent the operations of these unscrupulous people?
§ Mr. VosperI appreciate that. I understand that negotiations are now much further advanced than when the hon. Member asked his last Question. I believe that this Question and my reply will come to the notice of those concerned and may be of assistance.
§ Mr. StonehouseIn addition to considering the representations of professional organisations, will the Minister consider the representations of other bodies concerned with the effects of some of these practices?
§ Mr. VosperYes, but I understand that, in the first instance, the professional bodies are likely to produce their own proposals.
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerIs the Minister aware that it is very important to press 473 on with this? A great deal of barefaced swindling is going on, people are losing small savings, and there is a great deal of feeling, I know, in my constituency—as I have no doubt there is in other parts of the country. This is a grave loophole, which allows a great deal of serious swindling to be perpetrated.
§ Mr. VosperI think that it is appreciated. I can only say again that I hope that this Question will come to the notice of those negotiating.