I think that the Land Registry’s public sector status is vital to the impartiality and integrity of its work, and I have been actively campaigning against any suggestion that the Registry should be privatised over recent months.

I have met with staff and trade union officials at the Land Registry’s office on Westbridge Place and I have also met with Michael Kavanagh, the PCS Land Registry Group President.

I raised the issue directly with Ken Clarke during a recent Justice Questions. If you are interested in reading my exchange with Mr Clarke you can find it here.

I have also written to Lord McNally, the Minister responsible for the review of the Land Registry, requesting a meeting to discuss the review with him in person. He agreed to meet me in February but cancelled at short notice. I will continue to press for the meeting and to oppose privatisation of the Registry.