§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be the basis of compensation for conveyancing charges incurred in compulsory purchase transactions now that scale fees have been dropped.
§ Mr. AncramAlthough the Law Society of Scotland withdrew its scale of fees for general conveyancing as from 1 January 1985, theScottish Law Directory still contains a recommended scale of fees for transactions with acquiring authorities. This scale provides the basis of compensation for conveyancing charges in compulsory purchase transactions, and I understand that the society has no intention of withdrawing the guidance on charges in this respect. Where the acquisition of an equivalent interest in another property is involved, compensation will be payable for reasonable legal expenses in respect of that acquisition. There is no recommended scale of fees for such transactions, but if the authority exercising compulsory purchase powers considers that an account of expenses in this connection is unreasonable, it may apply for the account to be taxed by the Auditor of Court.