§ Mr. Dubsasked the Attorney-General what representations he has received about the current arrears of work at the Land Registry; and if he has any proposals to reduce the delays in the conveyancing of property; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralNo representations of a formal or general character have been received, but in 1982 three inquiries were made by Members of Parliament on behalf of constituents, and inquiries are received from members of the public from time to time.
Generally applications for office copies and official searches are dealt with and issued on the day of receipt or the day following. Failure to deal promptly with these preliminary applications could delay specific conveyancing transactions but the Land Registry is maintaining this important service. Applications for registration are submitted to the registry after the completion of a transaction has taken place and therefore cannot delay that transaction. The time taken to deal with such applications does not as a rule affect or delay subsequent conveyancing transactions, but if a re-sale or other transaction occurs before registration is complete, the Land Registry will expedite the application on request.
§ Mr. Dubsasked the Attorney-General how many staff currently are employed in the Land Registry; and what was the comparable number in May 1979.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralOn 1 May 1979 the staff of the Land Registry totalled 5,673 including 111 casual staff. On 1 February 1983 the comparable figures were 6,530 and 741 respectively.