asked the Minister for Trade (1) when he will bring into force the provisions of the Estate Agents Act requiring an agent who takes deposits, whether contract of pre-contract, to be insured;(2) when he will bring into force the provisions of section 18 of the Estate Agents Act;(3) when he will bring into force the provisions of the Estate Agents Act relating to the power to limit the size of pre-contract deposits;(4) when he will bring into force the provisions of the Estate Agents Act prescribing minimum standards of competence.

[pursuant to his reply, 29 April 1982, c. 312]: Section 18 of the Act will come into force on. 3 May 1982. Regulations under section 18(4) are not thought necessary at present. As to the other provisions mentioned, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend on 4 February 1982.—[Vol. 17, c. 170.]