asked the Attorney-General if he is aware of the concern felt by solicitors at the increasing delay of land charge searches through the Department at Kidbrooke; and if he will take steps to reduce it.

I am aware of the concern felt and I much regret that the Registry is at present unable to maintain its usual standard of service by return of post.The delays are mainly due to an increase of 40 per cent. or more in the number of applications for official search. The Chief Land Registrar has engaged 40 full-time and 67 part-time staff. In addition, experienced staff are working overtime in the evenings and at weekends. I hope that by these measures the delays will be overtaken before long.