Weakness in the chain

You recently outlined the government's proposal that conveyancing solicitors should have four years' preparation for e-conveyancing (see [2002] Gazette, 30 May, 1 ).

This has me worried.

Exactly what preparation does the government have in mind? Would it be some sort of Zen course on positive thinking when the government-designed system crashes on the Friday before a Bank Holiday?

I shall not put my head in the sand.

If I can purchase a 'plug and go' system that works (and works better than the current system) I will be as keen as mustard to sign up, but what on earth do I need to do for four years? The government needs to do four years' worth of homework to make sure it all works properly.

(Examples to get nervous over: lenders' hit-and-miss use of END and poor tracking of electronically sent redemption funds).

The ability to see progress of other transactions in the chain (as reported) will generate further enquiries and pressure from all along the chain.

If what is proposed is given a local trial with a limited number of practitioners over, say, six months, then the omens will be good; but my faith in the government to deliver a robust national system is not strong.

Who will compensate when the system crashes mid transaction?

Meanwhile I am signing up for 'Zen and the Art of Computer maintenance.'

Richard Knight, Richard Knight & Company, Leicester