HC Deb 14 July 1909 vol 7 cc2278-9W
Mr. JAMES O'CONNOR

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that the Shillelagh Rural District Council are unable to proceed with improvement schemes adopted by them under the Labourers Acts in consequence of delay in obtaining results of searches lodged by their solicitor some months ago in the Registry of Deeds; and if he could take steps to have the searches expedited so that the council might acquire the lands and proceed with the erection of the cottages authorised?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am informed by the Registrar of Deeds that 47 requisitions for searches for the purposes of the Labourers Acts have been lodged by the solicitors for the Shillelagh Rural District Council. Of these 34 searches have been disposed of, and are ready for delivery, six are being made (including four which have been queried for necessary alterations in the requisitions), and the remaining seven will be completed as soon as possible. As regards the remainder of the question, I have already stated, in reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for Mid-Tyrone on 14th June last, that every effort is being made to meet the unprecedented pressure of work in the Registry of Deeds, and that the staff are working overtime with that object.