§ Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that legal charges on the transfer of dwelling houses are fixed on a sliding scale in which the fees rise with the price of the house, although the work of transferring remains the same; and if he will take steps to grant to local authorities permissive powers to act for the purchaser of a home at a stipulated rate.
§ Mr. CorfieldThe scales referred to prescribe the maximum amount which may be charged in each case, but which need not in fact be charged. My right hon. Friend would be much in favour of reducing the cost of conveyancing by simplifying its processes, which is a matter into which a Working Party of the Law Society is at present enquiring, or in any other way that would be fair to house purchasers and to solicitors. But he does not think it would help to involve local authorities in business which has nothing to do with their public responsibilities, or that this would cheapen the cost of conveyancing, unless part of the cost were charged on the rates, which would not be justifiable.