§ Mr. David MartinTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what progress has been made with negotiations with estate agents to help promote better practices in connection with house purchase; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ForthI shall shortly be completing a wide-ranging programme of discussions with the leading estate agency bodies and other interested parties to consider the practices of estate agents in the operation of the property transfer system. The Government's interim conclusions on the relevant issues were outlined in a recent speech given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. I have placed copies of the text of this speech in the House Library for reference.