Ms Lisa Hone:

I have a quick response on the issue of foundations. When it is stated that foundations will be looked at, how will that be done? I have been informed that it will be a visual inspection; we know from the science and the core samples that must be taken that one cannot visually inspect something to know whether it is defective. We must follow the science. It is impossible to say "get the scheme up and running". That is potentially driving people into years and years of anxiety because the root cause is not being addressed. One cannot ask people to build on something that may or may not be fit for purpose. It is untenable. Homeowners are living in fear that they will go ahead, spend, get into debt and, years from now, will be catapulted back to where we are now. It is inhuman. The Government must recognise that. A far more precautionary approach must be taken.