Critics want the Government to revoke the policy, warning of a downturn in the housing market if it goes ahead.

Estate agents, home owners, surveyors, solicitors and MPs opposed to the plans are pinning their hopes on a vote for a delay to the planned June 1 introduction.

In just eight working days, it will be illegal to market a property without a £700 pack containing searches, work guarantees and an Energy Performance Certificate. Estate agents and private sellers marketing homes from June 1 without a HIP will be liable for £200 daily fines.

Conservative Baroness Han-ham will urge all peers to back the motion. If passed, it will underline growing concerns.

Louisa Collyer-Hamlin, of  the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, which is taking the Government to court over the way the packs are being brought in, said: “We’ve been calling for a delay to the introduction of HIPs because of our concerns regarding the existing problems of energy inspector numbers, regulation, market impact and energy efficiency.” One estate agent, Your Move’s David Newnes, said: “There’s a significant lack of understanding about HIPs. This is not helped by continued uncertainty about their introduction.”

There’s a significant lack of understanding about HIPs

Louisa Collyer-Hamlin, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

A poll of 1,000 adults revealed that one in three thinks an HIP is a hayfever allergy, and one in 10 thought it was a sex disease.

Tory housing spokesman Michael Gove said: “This adds to growing evidence that Labour ministers have failed to lay the groundwork for this massive,  reckless intervention in the  market.”