Mr Nick Raynsford (Minister of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions; Greenwich & Woolwich, Labour)

I am pleased that the hon. Member for Eastbourne stressed at the outset that this is a probing amendment, even though towards the end of his comments he appeared to be rather more enthusiastic about pursuing it. The amendment would make completely impossible something for which he argued strongly at an earlier stage in the proceedings, which is that newly built properties should not require a home condition report. We were entirely happy to accept that newly built properties, with the benefit of a warranty such as that provided by the National House Building Council or Zurich, provide the protection necessary for the buyer, thereby avoiding the requirement for a separate home condition report. That common-sense solution would not be possible if this amendment were to be accepted.

The provision enables us, if necessary, to make special provisions for particular categories of properties. I have already talked about properties that are being built or those which are newly completed. As I have stressed in earlier debates, the issue of low-value properties, which has been raised by hon. Members, is a difficult one. It is not our intention to undermine the benefits of the seller's packs by making widespread exemptions, but there are genuine concerns where the requirement to produce a seller's pack might be disproportionate in the case of extremely low-value properties.

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