HC Deb 01 February 1973 vol 849 cc445-6W
Mr. Joel Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to enable proper protection to be provided for new house purchasers, who, having paid the full purchase price, then find themselves unable to persuade the builders to carry out vital repairs.

Mr. Channon

The scheme operated by the National House-Builders Registration Council, which covers virtually all new houses built for sale, already contains procedures for settling disputes between a purchaser and vendor of a newly built house who disagree on repairs which need to be carried out. If a builder will not carry out remedial works which an independent arbitration decides is necessary, the NHBRC will compensate the purchaser.

Mr. Joel Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to create a new National House Builders' Registration Council as a statutory body with greater powers to assist new house purchasers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Channon

The National House-Builders Registration Council under its

for the whole of the financial year 1970–73 is of the following order:

existing constitution and powers already has effective machinery for ensuring that purchasers covered by its scheme get houses which conform to the standards laid down by the council.