To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to his Department's news release of 3 February 2010 on tenants' protection, what plans his Department has for an online directory of landlords; what estimate he has made of the costs of establishing such a directory; whether such costs are to be entirely borne by his Department; when he expects the directory to begin operation; and if he will make a statement. (318751)

Details of our plans for a national register of landlords are set out in the paper published alongside the 3 February announcement—“The private rented sector: professionalism and quality—consultation. Summary of responses and next steps”. Estimated costs associated with the register, which will be met from registration fees, are provided in the relevant impact assessment published as part of the consultation exercise on the Government response to the Rugg Review—“The private rented sector: professionalism and quality”—which took place in the period 13 May to 7 August 2009. Both of these documents can be accessed through the Department's website.