18. To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what impact assessment he undertook on the increase in land registration fees which will be effective from 6 July 2009. (279683)

The Land Registration Fee Order 2009 was made following consultation with the Land Registration Rule Committee, which includes representatives from the legal professions, mortgage lenders, conveyancers, surveyors and consumer affairs. However, in keeping with previous practice in relation to the nine fee orders since 1993, of which eight reduced the level of fees, no formal impact assessment was undertaken and the periodic adjustment of fee levels is expected by businesses in this sector.