I disagree with colleagues who believe that the stamp duty land tax return is too complicated and would remind them of the story of the land registration legislation of 1925.

The original aim was to introduce a mandatory system of registration across the country but this was opposed by solicitors, especially solicitor MPs.

It was thought that registered land would oversimplify the conveyancing process and erode the market for skilled practitioners dealing with unregistered land.

Many councils dominated by solicitors opposed the introduction of registration in their areas on that basis.

If we as solicitors find the forms complicated, imagine the consternation of unqualified school leavers in conveyancing factories.

Since neither the government or the profession collectively seems concerned to protect our interests, roll on more complexity, I say.

Peter Smith, Waring & Co, London