MPs across the North-East have been sent a video appeal from the boss of one of the region's law firms ahead of tomorrow's Parliamentary debate on the controversial Home Information Packs (Hips).

Gordon Brown Associates, based in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, has joined the growing voices of concern over the packs, which have been tabled for debate by the Conservative Party.

Senior partner Gordon Brown has emailed every North-East MP urging them to oppose the implementation of Hips in its current form.

Mr Brown, whose firm has handled conveyancing for more than 25 years, said Hips will cause more problems than they solve, and he is offering a common sense alternative.

Under current proposals, mandatory Hips, which will provide potential buyers with information about a house and an energy performance certificate, are to be introduced on June 1.

They are aimed at bringing efficiency to the home-buying process, while at the same time slashing the number of collapsed transactions and encouraging homeowners to reduce energy consumption.

But critics say they will bring little benefit to the consumer and add to the cost of buying a home by between £300 and £500.

Mr Brown said: "The public don't want Hips.

"In this country, more than any other, you can put your house on the market free of charge.

"Once Hips come in, that's gone. It will deliver the market into the control of self-interest.

"Hips have been jumped upon by people who will benefit - search providers who will sell their product twice and people who will manipulate the market in legal services, who will be paid even more fees by the unwitting house-buyer."

Offering one alternative to address gazumping, Mr Brown added: "Have a pre-contract agreement, with a deposit from both sides where there are only permitted reasons for withdrawal. If they withdraw for the wrong reasons, they forfeit to the other side."

Opposition MPs will tomorrow demand that the scheme be scrapped.

The debate follows the tabling of a motion by the Conservative leader, David Cameron, calling for Hip regulation to be annulled.

A second debate in the House of Lords is expected to take place next Tuesday.