HC Deb 09 March 1904 vol 131 cc586-7
MR. T. M. HEALY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the costs of schemes under the Labourers (Ireland) Acts are considerably increased by stamp duties payable on the contracts to build, which requires a 10s. stamp, though a similar contract by a private individual or a limited liability company could be so entered into as only to require a duty of 6d.; on the bond securing the contract; on the conveyance of the tenant's interest in each site; on the conveyance of the landlord's interest in each site; on the registration of each conveyance in the Registry of Deeds, when a fee of 10s. 6d. each at least is payable; on registry searches on examining the titles to each plot, which may run up to a very substantial sum; and when the plot is acquired from a tenant purchaser fees for registering the conveyance, insurance fund, opening a new folio, and taking out new land certificate, which may amount to about £1 10s. for each cottage; and whether, in his proposed Bill, he will provide for the same exemption from stamp duties under the Labourers Acts as now exists under the Land Purchase Acts.

MR. WYNDHAM

The facts are substantially as stated in the Question. The Bill to be introduced to-day does not deal with the matter, which affects the financial arrangements underlying the Labourers Acts and other statutes applicable to England. I will look into it before the Committee stage.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Will the title be wide enough to enable Amendments to be moved?

MR. WYNDHAM

I should say so.