HC Deb 20 March 1946 vol 420 c380W
108. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Attorney-General if he is aware that it transfers are required to be expedited at the Land Registry, a fee of an extra guinea is demanded; and if he will take steps to stop this practice of premium payment.

The Attorney-General

I am aware of the practice to which the hon. Member refers. The charge of an extra fee, which is sanctioned by the relevant Rules, is made for the benefit of the public, who are thus enabled to obtain quick registration in urgent cases. If no extra charge were made, many more cases would be accompanied by applications for expedition, and it would be impossible to obtain quick registration in cases where it was most urgently required. This might result on occasion, for example in the case of a mortgage before purchase, in the frustration of the transacton.