I have today been faxed by solicitors acting for a prospective purchaser. They inform me they are having to deal with Countrywide as their clients are having an HSBC mortgage. I am required apparently to undertake on completion to discharge all mortgages on the property. This is of course contrary to Law Society guidance, which advises all undertakings should be limited to specific mortgages.

I trust that the Law Society will issue further guidance to confirm such an undertaking should not be given as it is clearly designed to pass the risk of the licensed conveyancer not doing or not reading its searches.

Stephen Hill, Price & Son, Haverfordwest