§ 32. Mr. David Watts (St. Helens, North)What steps the Land Registry is taking to provide on-line access for the results of searches for domestic and commercial conveyancing. [49905]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (Mr. Geoffrey Hoon)The Land Registry, in liaison with other central and local government bodies and private sector organisations, is developing a national land information service which will enable solicitors and licensed conveyancers to access on-line the results of searches required in the conveyancing process. I was delighted to have had the opportunity to launch a pilot conveyancing system on 1 July in Bristol, using this technology, and enabling solicitors to access data from 12 public and private sector organisations. The Land Registry also provides a direct access service which allows practitioners to view computerised registers on their own office personal computers and carry out a range of related services.
§ Mr. WattsI thank my hon. Friend for that response. What further action can he and the Government take to speed up the process? Does he believe that new technology can help to speed it up? At the end of the process, does he believe that there will be an end to gazumping in the sale of houses and businesses?
§ Mr. HoonI entirely agree that providing information electronically will speed up conveyancing and reduce the opportunities for gazumping. A consultation document entitled "Land Registration for the 21st Century" was recently published by a joint working group consisting of representatives of the Law Commission and the Land Registry. Views are invited on a wide range of proposals which will make dealings in land much simpler, quicker and cheaper. Underlying the proposals is the likely move to electronic conveyancing over the coming decade.