Opposition Day debate — Home Information Packs — 19 Jul 2006 at 16:44

Opposition (Conservative) motion Michael Gove (Surrey Heath) (Con): I beg to move, That this House expresses profound concern at the lack of adequate preparation made for the introduction of the Governments Home Information Packs (HIPs); is further concerned at the failure on the part of the Government to provide a substantive pilot scheme; acknowledges the misgivings of various professional organisations; registers grave concern about the failure of HIPs to include reliable information on electrical safety, flood risk and contaminated land; fears that the cost of providing a HIP could be as high as £1,000; asserts that valuations and surveys will still be required, particularly for first-time buyers, increasing the cost of buying and selling a home; and notes that independent economic experts have warned of a negative impact on the economy arising from the introduction of HIPs. Government amendment: The Minister for Housing and Planning (Yvette Cooper): I beg to move, To leave out from House to the end of the Question, and to add instead thereof: believes that reforms to home buying and selling need to be designed around the interests of consumers; further believes that Home Information Packs (HIPs) will cut waste and duplication and speed up transactions for consumers; applauds the proposed inclusion in HIPs of Energy Performance Certificates which will give buyers and sellers vital information about the energy efficiency of homes and practical suggestions about how to cut fuel bills and carbon emissions; welcomes the Governments intention to carry out further testing of HIPs; and notes that the Government is working with industry to encourage the successful voluntary take-up of Home Condition Reports, retaining the option of a mandatory approach to ensure widespread take-up, and thus maximising the benefit for consumers.

Question put accordingly, That the original words stand part of the Question:-

The House divided: Ayes 230, Noes 303.

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