§ MR. PIMsaid, he would beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, If he has considered whether it would not be right, with a view of encouraging the leasing of Land in Ireland, to reduce the Stamp Duty on all Leases under the Irish Land Bill to a uniform sum, say 1s., and further to take means under the Act to lessen the cost of Leases in other respects?
MR. GLADSTONESir, as regards the first part of this Question, I have to state that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is considering the subject of the stamp laws in Ireland; and, in particular, that we shall endeavour to see whether we cannot effect a better adjustment between the duties payable on leases and those payable on other descriptions of tenancy. It is unquestionably desirable that people should not be put to a disadvantage in this respect if they take leases; but I 203 cannot say I think it will be possible for us to reduce this duty in any case to so low a figure as is indicated by my hon. Friend, for the duties on leases bear upon other matters involving important branches of revenue, such, for instance, as transfers of property. I shall shortly be able to announce whether we can do anything in reference to this subject. With regard to the latter part of the Question, I may say that we are considering whether we can do something towards reducing the cost of leases and simplifying the process of preparing them, by suggesting a form of lease in the Bill. I cannot, however, give a positive answer on this point at present.