HC Deb 13 June 1990 vol 174 cc203-4W
Mr. David Porter

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans for, or anticipates direction from the European Commission on plans for, a standard registration for all builders and decorators; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Spicer

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no such proposals, nor does he anticipate any from the European Commission.

Mr. David Porter

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the protection available to individuals who receive unsatisfactory service from people purporting to be builders and decorators; and how this is likely to change after 1992.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Under the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, in contracts for the supply of services, which would include building and decorating, the service must be carried out with reasonable care and skill. Any materials used must be of "merchantable quality", and fit for the job in hand. If the builder or decorator fails in these obligations, the law treats the matter as a breach of contract and the consumer may then look to him for redress through the courts. A number of trade associations operate insurance-backed guarantee schemes, offering protection for the individual against the "cowboy" builder. The Office of Fair Trading is also working with the industry to devise a model fair deal contract for small home improvement works and is examining how an industry-led body could carry out the assessment and approval of insurance-backed guarantee schemes.

The position would be unaffected by current proposals for the completion of the single European market.