§ Mr. StrawTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will cause an investigation to be made by the Building Societies Commission or otherwise into the issue of insider rings of solicitors and estate agents manipulating the market in repossessed homes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Leigh[holding answer 30 November 1992]: I have been asked to reply.
Following recent press reports, the Director General of Fair Trading has commenced inquiries with a view to the possibility of taking action against individuals under the Estate Agents Act 1979. Under the Act the director general may in certain circumstances prohibit individuals from engaging further in estate agency work.