§ Mr. DEVLINasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the resolution passed by the Belfast Chamber of Commerce with regard to the effect on buyers and sellers under the hire-purchase and instalment system by the recent decision of Mr. Justice Channell, by which it was held that an ad valorem stamp duty of 2s. 6d. per cent. is payable on all agreements for the sale of goods by instalments; and whether, in view of the hardship which this imposition will entail on the working classes, he will consider the advisability of amending the law with regard to it?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEMy attention has not been drawn to the resolution in question, but I am aware of the decision referred to by the hon. Member, and am giving the matter my careful consideration.