HC Deb 17 July 2000 vol 354 cc54-5W
Mr. Coaker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made in his review of legislation on the buying and selling of houses; and if he will make a statement. [130977]

Mr. Mullin

On 11 October last year we announced our intention to take forward a package of complementary measures, which were based on a detailed survey and consultation exercise and studies of experience in other countries.

The key proposal is a requirement that before putting a home on the market, the seller or seller's agent should put together a pack of standard documents and information for prospective buyers.

Introducing a compulsory seller's information pack requires legislation and we are awaiting a suitable legislative opportunity. In the meantime, we have set up a pilot scheme in Bristol to test out the components of the seller's information pack and to provide information on its practical operation.