HC Deb 03 November 1959 vol 612 cc850-1
41. Captain Pilkington

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to extend the ownership of houses, he will take steps to reduce or abolish Schedule A tax.

64. Brigadier Clarke

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, for the purpose of Schedule A tax, he will disregard the first house owned by any one person up to the value of £3,000.

Mr. Amory

My hon. and gallant Friends will not expect me to anticipate next year's Budget statement.

Captain Pilkington

Does my right hon. Friend agree that such action would go a long way towards creating a property-owning democracy such as we all desire?

Mr. Amory

I will take note, as I always do, of my hon. and gallant Friend's remarks.

Mr. Fernyhough

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree that a much more effective method of helping people to buy their own houses would be for the Government to take the necessary steps to reduce drastically the very high interest rates?

Mr. Amory

The Government have done, and are doing, a great deal to encourage private house ownership, with very spectacular results.