§ 7. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is proposed to appoint a chairman of the Committee on Land Registration in Scotland in place of the late Lord Macmillan.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Henderson Stewart)My right hon. Friend does not propose at present to appoint a successor to the late Lord Macmillan as Chairman of the Committee on Land Registration in Scotland.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in some circles it is regarded as regrettable that no further steps are being taken? In view of certain anticipated changes in the judiciary, might it not be that someone will become available for this post in the near future?
§ Mr. StewartThe right hon. Gentleman will recollect that the late Government, during its last three years, was not successful in finding a chairman either. We have made inquiries, but my right hon. Friend's experience is that he has encountered no desire on the part of the profession for any immediate changes.
§ Mr. WheatleyIs it the intention of Her Majesty's Government not to proceed with the inquiry, or is the delay merely occasioned by the difficulty in obtaining a suitable chairman?
§ Mr. StewartIt is partly the difficulty in obtaining a chairman, but it is mainly because we have encountered no desire on the part of the profession for changes.
§ Mr. WheatleyWill the hon. Gentleman state categorically whether it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government not to pursue this inquiry?
§ Mr. StewartAt the moment, yes.