Clause 47 - E-conveyancing
Finance Bill
2:30 pm
Rob Marris (Wolverhampton South West, Labour)
I declare an interest as a member of the Law Society, although it has probably been 20 years since I did any conveyancing. I have heard comments and sometimes complaints from the Wolverhampton Law Society about difficulties with what I think is called SDLT form 1, which, as I remember, has to be provided within 30 days of a transaction involving the transfer of a title of land to ensure that the stamp duty land tax is paid. I believe that within 56 days of the transfer of a title of land, the application has to be made to the district land registry for registration. Like the hon. Gentleman, I should like some reassurance that the profession will have adequate notice of any regulations that may be made under clause 47(2). It is very important to consult with bodies, as the Government and Treasury always do, but I have to tell my hon. Friend the Minister that although consulting with the Law Society of England and Wales is important, such consultation does not necessarily reach the average solicitor, licensed conveyancer or conveyancing clerk in a solicitor's office. Some helpful lead time would be of great assistance to the profession.