§ Lord Chelmerasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will make a statement about the future of the Registry of County Court Judgments.
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Hailsham of Saint Marylebone)My officials have concluded negotiations with the users of the registry into the possibility of the function of the registry being undertaken by the users themselves. The operation of the registry should in future be conducted by a company limited by guarantee. The operation, which would be subject to regulations made by the Lord Chancellor, would largely reflect the present arrangements. No commercial advantage would accrue to one user over another. The previous proposal to raise the minimum level of registrable judgments from £10 to £50 will not be proceeded with. I intend to introduce the necessary statutory provision in a forthcoming Administration of Justice Bill.