§ 10. Mr. Nichollsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received calling for the abolition of mortgage income tax relief.
§ Mr. NichollsIs my right hon. Friend able to confirm that some of those representations must have come from the leaders of the alliance party? Does he recall that in a recent article in The Times the right hon. Gentleman the leader of the Social Democratic party approved of the New Zealand Government's action in removing income tax relief? Bearing in mind that the Liberal party's environmental spokesman has also called for the abolition of mortgage income tax relief, should not house owners in this country realise what a threat the alliance is to their homes?
§ Mr. MooreI have not received a representation from the leader of the SDP. However, my hon. Friend will be aware that all hon. Members are equally confused. I noticed that article in The Times, in which the leader of the alliance seemed to approve of New Zealand's policy of abolishing mortgage interest relief. I noticed also the comments of the hon. Member for Truro (Mr. Penhaligon), who seemed to be arguing a different set of policies. The alliance policies on this matter seem to depend upon the audiences that it addresses and the spokesman who address those audiences.