White move

I am writing in response to Richard Havenhand's letter about the requirement to use coloured paper for land charges application forms (see [2002] Gazette, 23 May, 21).

The reason the forms are currently printed in colour is to assist us at the Land Registry in sorting the 6,500 applications that we receive each day, so that we can process them speedily and efficiently.

However, we realise that having to use coloured paper is not helpful for our customers and we will be undertaking a review of land charges, which will include considering the design of the forms and the use of white paper.

We would also want to conduct a formal consultation with regard to any redesign before making the necessary new rules.

It is unlikely that this will be a quick exercise.

Therefore, the chief land registrar has now approved the use of land charges application forms on white paper and has directed that all such forms should be accepted, whether printed by customers themselves or published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office or an approved supplier.

If customers would like help with the electronic reproduction of forms, contact the forms unit at the Land Registry, tel: 020 7917 8888 and ask for extensions 4564 or 4405.

Denise Reynolds, agency customer service manager, HM Land Registry, London