§ Dr. Goodson-WickesTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he has any plans to introduce a requirement for estate agencies to maintain at least one partner or employee who has obtained relevant professional qualifications.
§ Mr. ForthI have no plans to introduce such a requirement. The concern of the public with respect to estate agency is overwhelmingly about standards of ethics rather than competence. In my view the proposals for a code of practice with statutory support which I announced to the House on 21 June are the best way to raise standards.