§ Ms Roseanna CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with Highland Council regarding their cost estimates for the establishment of a land information register in their region; and if he will make a statement. [34123]
§ Mr. McLeishThe Government have had no specific discussions with Highland Council regarding the establishment of a land information register in its region, though we are aware of this initiative.
The Land Register of Scotland operated by the Registers of Scotland Executive Agency is a modern map-based register of title, which gives details of ownership of properties which have been sold after individual counties become operational in the Register. It will be extended to all the counties of Scotland by 2003. In those areas for which Highland Council is the responsible authority, there already exists substantial ownership and other information available to the public in the Register of Sasines which is the national register of deeds and has recorded property transactions in Scotland since 1617.