The end game

I refer to the article by Joe Timothy, the director of practice at HM Land Registry, concerning the new policy on requisitions and rejection of applications (see [2002] Gazette, 11 April, 38).

Mr Timothy indicated that where the only outstanding requisition related to a DS1 or an END, full details should be supplied, including copies of correspondence with the lender, 'to enable us to take up the matter direct with the lender where appropriate'.

I completed a purchase several months ago and the lender has still failed to produce a DS1.

A deadline was imposed by the Land Registry for the production of the DS1.

I supplied all the relevant details, including correspondence, and indeed the seller's solicitors have been helpful as well.

I wrote to Portsmouth District Land Registry on 18 April and set out the relevant extract from Mr Timothy's article, which seemed to me to indicate that the Land Registry would take matters up directly with the lender where appropriate.

I believe this is a case where it certainly is appropriate.

Portsmouth District Land Registry replied: 'The difficulties that you are experiencing in obtaining the DS1 from (the lender)...

are with all due respect not the concern of the registry and we therefore cannot involve our staff in direct contact with the (lender).'

Either Mr Timothy or Portsmouth Land Registry must be wrong.

It would be interesting to know what the official version is.

I would have thought that lenders generally would have taken more notice if they received some official communication from the Land Registry asking them to explain why they are so dilatory.

RK Petch, Mackarness & Lunt, Petersfield, Hants