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Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill

I cannot see why the new clauses would affect such traders in any way. They are simply about giving local authorities more chance to pursue breaches of compliance, and it is right that they should be able to do so. New clause 6 requires Ministers to report back to Parliament on the steps taken to improve compliance with part L and related provisions. We intend to do that, and we take the matter very seriously. If the Bill passes in a timely way, it is our intention to make the report in January 2007 and to include in it matters such as pressure testing, which we are introducing from this April. The new clauses will be a helpful way of improving compliance with the building regulations. Given the importance of having high standards in the new homes that we need for the next generation, the provisions will add considerable value to the Bill.