Barry Norman, in his letter 'Search for a solution' (see [2007] Gazette, 17 May, 17), fails to recognise that in the next few months, local authorities must provide personal search firms with access to all local search data, as the government introduces reforms recommended by the Office of Fair Trading.


The use of insurance where local authorities currently refuse to provide the information is therefore a short-term measure.



With comprehensive search reports and formal standards now governing the private search industry via the Search Code, comments that personal searches are 'defective' are misconceived, as the distinction between official and personal searches becomes irrelevant.



Fiona Hoyle, chairwoman, Council of Property Search Organisations