§ Mrs. McCurleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he proposes to introduce legislation to permit financial and other institutions to offer conveyancing services in Scotland.
§ Mr. RifkindI have no plans to do so at present. The Building Societies Bill currently before the House will give my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor power to recognise institutions for the purpose of providing conveyancing services in respect of land in England and Wales. I have decided that it would be inappropriate for me to take similar powers in Scotland where the house purchase and conveyancing systems differ significantly from those in England and Wales. I shall be keeping the position under review to ensure that the interests of those buying and selling houses in Scotland are adequately safeguarded.