§ 9. Mr. CollinsWhat representations he has received about legislation governing the use of rendering in newly built housing; and if he will make a statement. [30629]
§ The Minister for London and Construction (Mr. Nick Raynsford)Apart from the hon. Gentleman's letter of 24 February to my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on this subject, the Government have received no representations regarding legislation concerning the use of rendering to newly built houses.
§ Mr. CollinsThe Minister will know from my letter that I have laid before the Department the concerns of my constituents living in the Helme View estate, built by Barratt Homes, in Kendal. Will he consider legislation to require the minimum specified standards of rendering set out by the manufacturers of those materials, to be used by private sector builders? Will he also consider replacing the National House-Building Council with something that is rather less of a toothless watchdog?
§ Mr. RaynsfordI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for providing me with some detailed background information about the case of Helme View. On the strength of his representations, I have seen that there is some evidence that the rendering may have been put on in a way that did not comply with the specification contained in the British Board of Agrément recommendations. If that is the case, there would certainly be grounds for the home owners concerned to seek redress through the NHBC, which has provided the insurance back warranty on the scheme. We have had general discussions with the NHBC about the performance of its obligations, and I have twice met its chief executive. I am expecting a report on the progress that it is making in the review of its service to ensure that it provides effective warranties to the public.