Big brother

I note with interest the article on e-conveyancing (see [2002] Gazette, 18 April, 30).

In particular, the desire of the Land Registry to 'manage the property chain'.

This is exceeding its statutory remit, which is to manage the registration of titles.

This really is big brother watching private individuals all over the country.

Presumably, anyone in the chain will be able to find out about everyone else in the chain.

This would appear to be a willingness on the part of the government and Land Registry to invade the privacy of individuals by spreading their property and mortgage details all over the Internet.

Has Parliament authorised this?

As for e-conveyancing making a difference to the amount of paper required and making the process go faster, forget it.

A case as recent as Cottingham v Attey Bower and Jones (2000) LTL 31 March has ensured property lawyers must now seek out letters and bits of paper relating to building regulation approvals from local councils from years ago.

These then promptly get lost when mortgage lenders refuse to keep such documents.

David Marsden, Matthew Arnold & Baldwin, Watford