§ Claire WardTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress is being made on the introduction of a seller's pack for house buyers. [153604]
§ Keith HillThe Housing Bill, which provides for the introduction of home information packs, is currently before Standing Committee E in the House. Earlier this month the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister published the findings of consumer and technical pilots of the Home Condition Report, summaries of the responses received to the consultation papers on the contents of the pack and how the pack should operate in low demand areas and research showing a potential labour force of between 10 to 18,000 people who could become home inspectors. Several Universities and colleges are already preparing courses for Home Inspectors. Following discussions with the industry the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has concluded that 1 January 2007 is an appropriate date to aim to introduce home information packs. This will send a clear message to our industry partners as to what needs to be done.