§ 22. Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what plans she has for the regulation of the services of estate agents in the interest of the consumer.
Mr. Alan WilliamsI am preparing a consultative document which will invite public comments on proposals designed to give further protection to consumers in this area.
§ Mr. EvansI thank my hon. Friend for his reply. Did he notice that the question of lost deposits was recently raised by the Master of the Rolls in a court case? Will he bear in mind that estate agents are involved in buying and selling property?
Mr. Alan WilliamsI am fully aware of the unsatisfactory nature of the current controls concerning estate agents. That is why I wish to bring the matter to public notice and seek a positive move ahead in protecting consumers. We are 31 considering the requirement for compulsory bonding and the possibility of establishing a licensing system.
§ Mr. George RodgersDoes my hon. Friend agree that a useful service for consumers could be provided by the solicitors and surveyors in town halls?
Mr. Alan WilliamsYes, but that goes slightly beyond the scope of this Question, and raises the matter of the monopoly in conveyancing, which is vested in solicitors. I assure the House that that is also a matter on which I hope to make an early announcement of the Government's intentions.