HC Deb 24 November 1930 vol 245 cc887-8
41 Rear-Admiral SUETER

asked the Attorney-General whether he will state the numbers, grades, and duties of the staff administering the Land Registration Act, 1925, as at 18th November, 1930?

The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Craigie Aitchison)

I have been asked to reply. The number at the date mentioned was 482, particulars of which I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following are the particulars;

The staff administering the Land Registration Act, 1925, as at nth November, 1930, amounted to 482 made up as follows:

Legal Staff 23
Clerical Staff 176
Typing Staff 100
Technical Mapping Staff 95
Paper Keeping and Messenger Staff 84
Industrial Staff 4
Total 482

The Chief Land Registrar and his clerical staff and such legal and technical officers as may be required from time to time are also engaged on the work of the Land Charges Department, the Middlesex Deeds Department and the Agricultural Credits Department of His Majesty's Land Registry.

42. Captain AUSTIN HUDSON

asked the Attorney-General what reason has been assigned for the fact that in 696 cases during the past 12 months the period of 14 days required for the first registration and advertisement of applications in non-compulsory areas under the Land Registration Act and rules has been exceeded; and will he cause an examination to be made into the working of the Department, with the object of eliminating delay in delivery of final documents to the public?

The LORD ADVOCATE

There are two main reasons for such delay:

  1. 1. The "London Gazette" is only issued on Tuesdays and Fridays, involving a possible loss of four days. In 605 of the 696 cases the period did not exceed 19 days.
  2. 2. In non-compulsory areas a special survey on the ground is normally necessary, and is subject to weather conditions.
My hon. Friend sees no reason for an examination into the working of the Department; but if the hon. and gallant Member will draw the attention of the Lord Chancellor to any particular case of alleged delay, it will be investigated.