asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of delays in dealing with the applications, particularly in the mapping section in the land registry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Registry Delays.
70.
I am aware that there are still delays in dealing with applications in the Land Registry.
A special inter-departmental study group was set up by my predecessor in September, 1968, to examine the organisation and procedures of the Land Registry and to furnish recommendations as to the changes that should be made to improve the efficiency of the office. Arising from this group's reports of November, 1968, March, 1969, and June, 1969, a major reorganisation of the office, designed to provide a structure that will be capable of giving prompt service to the public, was prepared and has now reached the stage where it is being discussed in detail with the staff associations.
With regard to the mapping section, the position is that an arrears clearance premium scheme that was introduced last November has effected a considerable improvement in the output of the section, and it is expected that the work there will be up-to-date by the end of the year. Dealings and applications of special urgency continue to receive priority treatment.
Would the Minister advise the Land Registry in cases of subdivision, where usually there is a delay in the mapping section, to accept a dealing on an ordinary ordnance sheet?
Subject to correction, I think the Land Registry have indicated that they would accept a dealing on an ordinary Ordnance Survey map provided that it was clearly marked and provided that when it was lodged and came to be compared by the officials in the Land Registry the boundaries tallied with those on the official map.
Perhaps the Land Registry could publicise that among the legal profession. At the moment sometimes an ordinary sheet is accepted and sometimes it is not.
I think if it is clear and the officials are able to see the proposed subdivision clearly it will be accepted. Unfortunately, the problem with subdivisions is that usually a rood or something of that nature is involved and on a six-inch scale that is very small and has to be drawn with exceptional accuracy.