§ Mr. Moateasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received about the level of stamp duties on house purchase.
§ Mr. LawsonSuggestions for reductions in stamp duty on house purchase are regularly received from both private individuals and representative bodies, especially during the period when Budget proposals are being prepared.
§ Mr. MoateDoes my right hon. and learned Friend agree that there is no more justification for this tax on home ownership than there was for the tax on newspapers or on cheques? When my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor starts his regular discussions with me about his next Budget, will he give rather more priority to reducing the levels of stamp duty than he did in the last Budget?
§ Mr. LawsonMy hon. Friend will recall that we substantially increased the threshold for stamp duty and general stamp duty levels, and therefore reduced the incidence of stamp duty on house purchase in the 1980 Budget. I am sure, however, that my hon. Friend's representations about the 1982 Budget will be taken most seriously by my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor.