§ Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what is the average length of time taken by investigations leading to banning orders under the Estate Agents Act 1979;
(2) how many banning orders have been made under the Estate Agents Act 1979 in each year since the Act came into effect.
§ Mr. FletcherThese are matters for the Director General of Fair Trading. I have been in touch with him and he will write to the hon. Member shortly.
§ Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied with the operation of the Estate Agents Act 1979.
§ Mr. FletcherYes, but I will continue to keep a close watch on the working of the Act.
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§ Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now implement sections 16 and 17 of the Estate Agents Act 1979; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FletcherNo. I do not consider that there is any urgent need to implement these sections, but I will continue to keep the situation under review.