HC Deb 26 March 1968 vol 761 c1146
8. Mr. Molloy

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will consider introducing legislation to provide for the compulsory surveying of houses before sales are finalised.

Mr. MacColl

Those who buy houses built under the National House Builders Registration Council's scheme will have the safeguard of inspections during construction and guarantees backed by insurance. My right hon. Friend hopes to see this scheme cover virtually all new houses before long. I understand that the Law Commission are considering the question of liability on sales of older houses. At this stage my right hon. Friend does not see a need for legislation on the lines suggested.

Mr. Molloy

Whilst with qualifications I welcome that encouraging reply, may I ask whether my hon. Friend would agree that for the mass of ordinary people the decision to buy a house, whether a new or second-hand one, is of major importance, and will he consider the possibility of perhaps advertising that these facilities exist and reconsider the possibility of introducing legislation?

Mr. MacColl

I quite agree with my hon. Friend about the importance of new house buying. That is why there is great value in house-buyers using members of the National House Builders Registration Council's scheme.

Sir Frank Pearson

Is the Minister completely satisfied that there are enough qualified surveyors to back up the sort of scheme he outlined?

Mr. MacColl

There is always a shortage of skilled professional and technical men amongst surveyors, as in other activities. The evidence is that the Council can get adequate staff, although there are difficulties of recruitment.