§ 41. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Attorney-General if he will state his plans to cheapen, expedite and simplify the procedure relating to the registration by the Land Registry of transfers of property.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Elwyn Jones)The attainment of these objects depends in large measure on improvements to the substantive law relating to the transfer of land. The Law Commission is considering this with a view to simplification. It is hoped that expedition will be achieved through the passage of the Land Registration Bill and the expansion of the Ordnance Survey Department and of the Land Registry, together with the extended use of modern processes and equipment. No immediate reduction in land registration fees can be expected.
§ Mr. HughesWhile thanking the learned Attorney-General for his historical reply and his hope, may I ask whether he realises that the procedural reforms asked for in the Question are particularly urgent having regard to the present financial stringency which inflicts loss and damage on the vendors and purchasers of properties when there is delay in completing purchases?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe need for improvement is appreciated, and the appropriate steps are being taken.