HC Deb 10 November 1988 vol 140 cc310-2W
Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what were the comparative fees for land registration charges in each of the years 1980–81 to 1986–87, inclusive.

Mr. Needham

The following comparison of charges has been limited to the main registration types carried out by the Land Registry over a range of values.

Transfers, Transfers of Part, Charges
Value £ 1980–81 £ 1981–82 £ 1982–83 to 1986–87 £
Min 4 10 15
15,000 55 65 70
20,000 70 90 95
30,000 100 140 145
40,000 130 190 195
50,000 160 200 245
60,000 190 200 250
Max 200 200 250

Note: Half fee payable on Charge lodged with Transfer.

1st Registrations and Adverse Possessions Applications (Scale 1)
Value £ 1980–81 £ 1981–82 £ 1982–83 to 1986–87 £
Min 4 10 15
10,000 40 40 60
20,000 70 90 110
30,000 100 140 160
40,000 130 190 210
Max 200 200 400

Note: Compulsory first registrations—Half fees

1st Registrations by Original Lessee (Scale 2)
Value £ 1980–81 £ 1981–82 £ 1982–83 to 1986–87 £
Min 4 6 10
10,000 20 20 25
20,000 30 30 50
30,000 40 40 75
40,000 50 50 100
Max 200 200 200

Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how long it takes to process a land registration application.

Mr. Needham

The completion times for dealings vary a great deal depending on the type of dealing, its complexity, the form in which it was submitted and its dependence on other related dealings.

The average completion times for dealings on which no queries have been raised are as follows:

Working days
Transfers 51
Transfers of Part 119
Leases 82

If cases requiring query are included the average completion times are increased as follows:

Working days
Transfers 55
Transfers of Part 176
Leases 275

Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when a review of the operations of the land registry in Northern Ireland will take place; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Needham

In 1983 a comprehensive review of the Land Registry of Northern Ireland was carried out in order to identify how better it might meet its responsibilities to provide a quick, simple and economic system of land transfer.

The majority of recommendations made by that review have been accepted and implemented.

Since that time a number of other reviews on specific sections of the registry have been or are being carried out. A number of further options for reviews are now being considered.

I shall write to the hon. Member when a decision has been reached.