HL Deb 16 February 1971 vol 315 cc580-1WA
THE LORD BISHOP OF CHESTER

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In view of the discontinuance of stamp duty on cheques since February, 1,1971, and in view of the refusal of the banks to reimburse holders of unused cheques on which the stamp duty has been paid, how may holders of such unused cheques be reimbursed.

EARL JELLICOE

Stamp duty on cheques was in the main the subject of statutory composition arrangements under which the banks paid the duty to the Inland Revenue. In these cases, the only claims which, under the Finance Act 1970, could be entertained by the Inland Revenue were those made by banks in respect of cheques surrendered to the banks by their customers before February 1, 1971. How far the banks are prepared to make refunds to customers in respect of unused cheques is a matter between each bank and its customers.