§ Mr. Gristasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he can indicate the methods by which he intends business rents to he assessed following the ending of the Counter-Inflation Act 1972 in March 1976; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SilkinThe present control restricts the rate of rent payable, not the level at which rents can be agreed, and the letting market continues in operation.
148W(2) if he will introduce legislation to provide some system of insurance for customers against difficulties created by the insolvency of central heating firms.
§ Mr. FreesonI have been asked to reply.
The Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association operates a guarantee scheme for central heating work done by their members, but if there are general problems as regards the quality of work I shall be glad to have details. I am not aware of any widespread difficulties caused by the insolvency of central heating firms and I shall be glad to have information on this point also.