The controversial Home Information Packs (Hips) received a blow last night, despite the government saying that there were to continue.Housing minister Margaret Beckett has openly acknowledged that the scheme has not been as successful as the government first hoped, following the public support of her two predecessors.Speaking to the Commons local government select committee, Ms Beckett said I think that given their limitations they have some degree of beneficial impact but I fully accept that theyre not, perhaps, the perfect vehicle we might wish for. I accept theyre not working to the potential they could.However, the minister went on to quash any rumours that the government was to scrap the packs, saying I dont think theres any point in suspending the scheme. Its not really something thats going to make a big difference as to how the housing market is going.Theres actually very little saving from getting rid of Hips while there is a bit of a saving from people already having them.Home Information Packs, which cost homeowners 350, give a range of information on properties for prospective buyers including an energy efficiency rating based on the system which is used for electrical appliances.