§ 61. Mr. David EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to bring forward his proposals designed to regulate the activities of those estate agents engaging in undesirable practices; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ForthMy proposals to underpin a code of practice for estate agents by an order under section 3 of the Estate Agents Act 1979 were announced to the House of Commons and published in the report of my review of estate agency on 21 June. I have asked the Director General of Fair Trading to develop the code of practice with the industry, consider the scope of the proposed order under section 3 of the Act and report back to me early next year. When I have considered his advice I shall circulate for consultation proposals for an order, as is required under section 30 of the Act.