§ 48. Mr. Jannerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that it is intended to remove the Land Registry to Durham; and whether he will review this intention and have it either in London or in a place within a reasonable distance from London, so as to avoid an increase in the difficulty of solicitors and others in transacting business with this department.
§ Sir S. CrippsI am advised that in all but very few cases, business with the Land Registry can best be transacted by correspondence. For the few cases where oral discussion is necessary, I hope it may be possible to arrange for the appropriate officer at the Registry to attend in London.
§ Mr. JannerIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that that is not the opinion of the Law Society, which has the most experience in these matters, and can he say why he has chosen a place 250 miles from London when the main business concerned in that particular Registry relates to London?
§ Sir S. CrippsIt was the opinion of the Land Transfer Committee, on which a number of solicitors were represented, that personal visits tended to delay rather than to assist.
§ Brigadier MedlicottIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that Land Registry theory and to some extent practice is based on the assumption that attendance at the Registry for completion of purchases and mortgages and for the making of searches is in certain circumstances necessary, at least in principle; and if, in fact, the transfer to Durham is to be permanent is consideration being given to the making of any consequential alterations to the Land Registration Acts or to the Land Registration Rules and Orders? Finally, will the Chancellor again consult the Law Society, whose views are very different from those he has just given?
§ Sir S. CrippsI am afraid the matter is now decided.