HL Deb 12 February 1998 vol 585 cc221-2WA
Lord Teviot

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the cost of moving the Public Search Room of the Principal Registry (Family Division) from Somerset House to High Holborn; and how long it will be able to remain there. [HL403]

The Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg)

The cost of moving is estimated to be £300,400. The lease on the building at Holborn expires on 25 March 2012.

Lord Teviot

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will consider moving the Public Search Room of the Principal Registry (Family Division) to the Family Record Centre at Myddleton Place, Clerkenwell, to join the Search Room of the Office of National Statistics (Births, Marriages and Deaths) and the Public Record Office. [HL404]

The Lord Chancellor

There are no plans to move the search facility to Myddleton Place for reasons of cost. However, the Probate Index and Probate Calendar are being computerised and a computer terminal will be provided for public use from 17 August 1998. The possibility of the provision of a computer link at the Public Records Office is currently under discussion.