§ 19. Colonel DAYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he is aware of the 427 hardship inflicted upon persons desirous of purchasing their own houses on account of the high stamp duties charged; and will he, with a view to encouraging more people to purchase small properties, consider a reduction in the amount of stamping fees now chargeable on houses purchased or sold costing under £1,000.
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY. (Mr. Ronald McNeill)My Right hon. Friend is unable to agree that the stamp duty payable on the purchase of a house, which is a small item in the aggregate cost, could by itself be a serious deterrent to such purchases; nor can he at present see his way to reduce the rate of the duty.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these fees are a great detriment to thrift, especially where poor people want to buy their own houses.
§ Mr. McNEILLNo, Sir; that raises the same question in another form.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act, the local authority pays 20 per cent. of the cost of the house, but the whole of the law charges and other fees fall upon the individual?
§ Mr. McNEILLYes, I am quite aware of that.