Access to network
237.Paragraph 1 Amendment of entries in the register simultaneously with the execution of conveyancing documents is likely to be a feature of electronic conveyancing. Electronic conveyancers will therefore need to be given appropriately regulated access to the land registry network. Paragraph 1 therefore provides for a person who is not a member of the land registry to have access to the land registry network but only by means of a network access agreement made with the registrar. If, however, an applicant meets the criteria laid down in rules, the registrar must enter into an agreement with him (and paragraph 4 provides for appeals against refusal of access). That agreement may allow him to communicate with other users of the network and with the registrar; and post and retrieve information. It may allow him to input information into the system to make changes to the register or cautions register, and to issue official copy documents and search results. The network may also be used for such other purposes as the registrar sees fit. Rules may regulate how the network access agreements are used to confer authority to carry out the functions of the registrar. It is envisaged that different levels of access could be given to different categories of users depending on the role they play in the conveyancing process, e.g. different levels of access for estate agents, mortgage lenders or conveyancers. Rules made under this paragraph are subject to greater Parliamentary scrutiny than land registration rules are generally (see section 128) and the Lord Chancellor must also consult before making the rules. Under paragraph 11, the Lord Chancellor must have specific regard to confidentiality of information held on the network, competence of the users and the adequacy of insurance arrangements for potential liabilities.
