HL Deb 03 June 1997 vol 580 c16WA
Lord Lucas

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider the greater regulation of estate agents to be desirable.

Lord Clinton-Davis

The Director-General of Fair Trading is responsible for the enforcement of the Estate Agents Act 1979. He has demonstrated that he has the powers necessary to take vigorous action against estate agents who misbehave, including the ultimate power to prohibit their trading as estate agents. If the noble Lord has evidence which indicates the need for further regulation I would be grateful if he could forward it to my right honourable friend the President of the Board of Trade.