DURING June, members of the Parliamentary Select Committee are to examine the draft housing bill. This bill contains some controversial features.

It would lead to compulsory licensing of many private landlords, which may appear sensible at first sight. It might, however, lead to the drastic reduction of rented property available and lead to the effective eviction of many tenants, and curbs on the right to buy council houses.

Another controversial feature is the proposed introduction of the Home Information Pack which will have to be assembled by law before anyone can legally put their home on the market. A buyer will be able to sue the seller and the surveyor if they have not declared faults with the house.

What this could mean is that many people will not be able to move unless they have substantial savings to risk. Recent Treasury figures claim that half the adults in Britain have savings of £200 or less and many may be reluctant to risk £1,000 to get a Home Information Pack which may not even result in a sale!

House sales are likely to be much reduced, more houses will go for auction, and there is the likelihood of more buyers suing sellers.

Whatever view you might hold on this important issue, it might be in the interest of readers to telephone the Government Stationery Office (0870 6005522) and request a free copy of the housing bill, consultation on draft legislation.

If unhappy about the draft housing bill, I would suggest that readers write to their MP expressing their views.

GEOFFREY H. L. BERG,

Perrymead, Prestwich.