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Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Answer

Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what implementation date the Government plan for the provisions of the Housing Bill relating to seller's packs; and what assessment he has made of whether sufficient professional indemnity insurance will be available in the market by that date. [R] [193782] Keith Hill: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister anticipates that the home information pack reforms will be implemented in January 2007. But we will not introduce compulsory home condition reports until we are satisfied that all the necessary elements are in place, including satisfactory indemnity insurance for home inspectors. This continues to be the subject of extensive research and discussion and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has established programme management arrangements involving consumer representatives and key industry stakeholders to provide help and guidance on this. Assisted by the Association of British Insurers and our industry working group, discussions with commercial insurers are taking place aimed at identifying options based on a commercial approach. The possible basis for an insurance regime will be published when this work is complete. Discussions with leading commercial insurers indicate that they are broadly comfortable with the proposals and that there is an appetite to insure home inspectors.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

425 c1110W; 193782

Session

2003-04

Registered interest declared

Yes

Subjects

Housing Inspections Liability Insurance Home information packs Sales Surveying

Legislation

Housing Bill 2003/04

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk