HC Deb 28 June 1960 vol 625 cc1131-2
25. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the names of the interested organisations which have been invited to submit evidence to the Reid Committee on Registration of Title to Land in Scotland.

Mr. N. Macpherson

I understand that the Committee has invited evidence from local authority associations, the universities, legal societies, and a number of other bodies, in addition to publishing a general invitation in the Press.

Mr. Hannan

Is the Minister aware of the widespread concern that this Committee is loaded in favour of the legal profession and against the consumer? Is he further aware that many people, including some members of the profession itself, believe that the system of conveyancing in Scotland is archaic, slow and expensive and that the profession itself has a vested interest in maintaining that? Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that consumer interests by way of house purchasers will be given an opportunity of tendering evidence?

Mr. Macpherson

The Reid Committee is examining a highly technical problem, and I think that we can well leave to Lord Reid and his colleagues the duty of dealing with the remit which they have been given. I am quite certain that they will deal with it fairly in regard both to those in favour of registration and those who are against it.