HC Deb 28 July 1909 vol 8 cc1167-8
Mr. JEREMIAH MacVEAGH

asked the Chief Secretary whether, owing to inadequate staff in the Registry of Deeds Office, the searches are delayed sometimes for months, to the inconvenience of councils acquiring lands under the Labourers' Acts; whether the free searches under the Labourers Acts are deferred whilst paid searches are being dealt with; and whether steps will at once be taken to augment the staff in order that it may be enabled to cope with the work?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Registrar of Deeds informs me that there has been some unavoidable delay owing to the unprecedented pressure on the searching branch of his Department. So far as is practicable requisitions for searches are dealt with in order of priority, but if this practice were rigidly adhered to the ordinary transactions for the transfer and mortgaging of land would be completely blocked by the 2,000 requisitions for searches under the Labourers Acts lodged since the beginning of the year. As I have already stated in reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for West Wicklow on?3th instant, every effort is being made to meet the unprecedented pressure of business, and the stall are working overtime with that object.

Mr. J. MacVEAGH

Has consideration been given to the suggestion that the staff should be increased to enable it to cope with this work?

Mr. BIRRELL

Yes, Sir; but it is undesirable to augment the staff merely during temporary work.