§ Ms Roseanna CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the additional resources that would be required to allow the completion of the Scottish land registration data base by 2000; if it is his policy to provide additional resources for the Scottish land registration data base; what plans he has for extending the range of material and information contained in the land data base; and if he will make a statement. [24567]
§ Mr. Dewar[holding answer 26 January 1998]: Information on land in Scotland has been available from the deed-base Register of Sasines since the 17th century. The computerised and map-based Land Register has been gradually replacing it since 1981 and currently covers 14 counties accounting for 60 per cent. of the housing stock in Scotland. It will extend to the whole of Scotland by 1 April 2003. If the extension programme were to be brought forward to 1 April 2000, additional costs of at least £25 million would be required. This sum would cover the costs of registering properties transferring for value in terms of the Land Registration (Scotland) Act 1979. The Registers of Scotland Executive Agency which operates the Land Register is currently involved in piloting the Scottish Land Information System which will provide integrated information services with easy and affordable access to all sources of land and property information in Scotland.
The Land Reform Policy Group is currently considering these issues.