HC Deb 14 July 1980 vol 988 cc385-6W
Mr. Weetch

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what reasons, apart from the need to consult in the usual way, and to restrict public expenditure, the Government have for delaying commencement of the Estate Agents Act 1979.

Mr. Tebbit

Particularly detailed and time-consuming consultation is essential to ensure that the regulations as to client for (a) textiles, (b) clothing, (c) chemicals less radioactive materials, (d) mechanical machinery and (e) electrical machinery, for each year since 1970 and for the first four months of the current year.

Mr. Parkinson

The available information is as follows:

accounts, while protecting the public, are not unnecessarily burdensome. It is, moreover, in the general interest to allow an adequate period for preparation and staff training during which estate agents can adjust their procedures to meet the new requirements under the Act.