To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 8 May 2007, Official Report, column 124W, on housing: energy, how long it takes to train (a) a domestic energy assessor and (b) a home inspector. (136947)

The time taken for an individual to qualify as a home inspector or domestic energy assessor would depend on their previous experience and the amount of training they require in order to meet the required standards.

Currently advertised training schemes for home inspectors can vary between three and 12 months, depending on the starting competency level of the candidate. Domestic energy assessor courses range between four and 12 weeks, with the duration dependant on the initial level of knowledge and competence of the candidate, although at least one other provider is offering an intensive course lasting one week.

To meet the needs of candidates who are already employed and cannot study full-time, most courses comprise several days of assessed workshops, together with distance learning carried out in the candidates own time. If a candidate wished to undertake their distance learning on a full-time basis, they could complete their course in a shorter period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 8 May 2007, Official Report, column 124W, on housing: energy, how many (a) home inspectors and (b) domestic energy assessors will qualify on 1 June. (136948)

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the statement made to the House by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 22 May.