§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider giving statutory effect to the NHBC (Scotland) code of practice for sheltered housing. [37930]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonMy right hon. Friend welcomed the introduction by the National House Building Council (Scotland) of the code on a voluntary basis in 1991. We are pleased to see the building industry regulate itself and give protection to its customers, and we do not believe action by the Government to regulate such activity is required at present.
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§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what control he at present exercises over companies owning sheltered housing in Scotland which(a) fail to hold meetings with residents, (b) fail to publish accounts justifying their service charges and (c) appoint wardens with access to residents' property without consultation. [37928]
§ Mr. RobertsonMy right hon. Friend has no powers over how sheltered housing companies manage the properties they own. However, problems encountered within some sheltered housing developments are being considered by the Scottish Law Commission in the context of its work on reviewing property law in Scotland. The need for legislation will be considered in the light of the commission's reports and recommendations.