HC Deb 20 December 1995 vol 268 cc1283-4W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the sources of funding of the Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board. [6291]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 19 December 1995]: The Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board receives funding from the Secretary of State for Scotland and when operational will also receive registration fees from qualified conveyancers and executry practitioners.

Mr. Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the current membership of the Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board. [6292]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 19 December 1995]: The current membership is:

  • Professor Philip Love CBE (Chairman)
  • Ian Buchanan Esq
  • R. Gavin Burnett Esq
  • John Murray Esq
  • Mrs. Joyce Simpson
  • Hugh Torrance Esq
  • Duncan White Esq OBE.
Mr. Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what have been the annual costs to public funds of the Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board since the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provision) (Scotland) Bill 1990 received Royal Assent; and what is his assessment of such costs in the future. [6293]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 19 December 1995]: The Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board was established in June 1991 and the costs to public funds are as follows:

  • 1991–92: 113,756
  • 1992–93: 108,796
  • 1993–94: 31,093
  • 1994–95: 26,299
  • 1995–96: 10,000.

The costs for 1996–97 are estimated to be £100,000. In future years costs will depend on the volume of business. The board is expected to become self-financing in due course.

Mr. Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if practitioners under the Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board will be required to subscribe financially to a guarantee fund at their own expense; [6294]

(2) if practitioners under the Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board will be required to take out professional indemnity insurance at their own expense. [6295]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 19 December 1995]: Yes.