§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) if he will make a statement on existing legislation and voluntary codes of behaviour which govern the practices of estate agents:
(2) if he will introduce tighter controls over estate agents to eliminate unethical practices.
§ Mr. ForthI am currently exploring with estate agency bodies and other interested parties whether and how it might be appropriate to supplement the existing consumer protection provisions of the Estate Agents Act 1979, which includes the consideration of a self-regulatory code of practice. I am also considering the review of the Act recently published by the Director-General of Fair Trading. I hope to be in a position to announce the conclusion of my review soon.