HC Deb 07 April 1970 vol 799 cc231-2
33. Mr. Brooks

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will estimate the approximate proportion of home-owners who changed their residence during 1969, and the average cost of the legal fees, including conveyancing, which they incurred.

Mr. Freeson

No information is yet available about 1969. In 1968 about 6 per cent. of home-owners changed their residence. Cost of legal fees depends on the house price, whether or not title is registered, and the nature of the mortgage. So a reliable average cost cannot be given. But a representative example for a mortgagee who sold one house and bought another would be about £140, assuming registered title, building society mortgage, and an average price for a house bought through a building society.

Mr. Brooks

Would my hon. Friend not agree that the Prices and Incomes Board has twice shown that the average level of conveyancing fees is far too high? Is it not time, particularly in the light of the recent "Which?" report which showed that certain charges were being imposed which were not even justified, for the Government to take urgent action to relieve this burden on the home-owner?

Mr. Freeson

I certainly sympathise with the objectives which my hon. Friend is seeking to achieve. As he will be aware, this matter is being considered through the offices of the Lord Chancellor and I hope that there will be some action soon.