§ Mrs. Marion Roe (Broxbourne)I wish to present a petition, containing over 1,100 signatures, which draws attention to the fact that, at present, buyers of new homes do not benefit from adequate consumer protection, and points out that they should be entitled to have a third-party representative check their home for quality, prior to completion.
They should also be able to delay completion should the home not conform to standard, and if defects are not rectified they should have a legal right to withhold a retention until the works are completed.
At the moment, insurance companies set the standards acceptable for new homes, and there are not legal requirements to adhere to these standards.
My petitioners list their recommendations to Government on how to change this unacceptable situation.
The petitioners, therefore, request that the House of Commons urge the Deputy Prime Minister to establish an inquiry into the building of new homes, looking at quality standards and consumer protection, investigating the possibility of Government-set standards for new-build properties and the creation of a regulatory body and league tables in this area.
§ To lie upon the Table.