§ Mrs. Ann CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assess the adequacy of the protection afforded to new house buyers. [8455]
§ Mr. RaynsfordI am aware of criticisms of the protection afforded by the National House-Building Council's warranty scheme for new houses. The Council has announced a wide ranging review including insurance cover, inspection service, communications with consumers and house builders, and powers to discipline bad builders. I have recently met representatives of the Council and I have asked to be kept closely in touch with the progress of this review.
My hon. Friend, the Minister for Local Government and Housing has also recently met the Council of Mortgage Lenders and the Association of British Insurers to discuss ways in which the mortgage lending and insurance industries can develop better mortgage protection products.