HC Deb 09 May 1978 vol 949 cc489-90W
Mr. Newton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the penultimate change in the limits for the nil rate and reduced rates of stamp duty on house purchase was made; and what the limits then established would now be if since then they had been increased in line with (a) the retail price index, (b) an appropriate house price index, and (c) an appropriate earnings index, respectively.

Mr. Denzil Davies

I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

Mr. Newton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates would be the loss of revenue from stamp duty on house purchase if the present limits for the nil rate and the reduced rates were each raised by £5,000; how much of this loss would arise from each of the changes taken on its own; and if he will estimate what the figures would be if such changes were confined to transactions where the purchaser was buying with a view to making the property his only or main residence.

Mr. Denzil Davies

I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

Mr. Newton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates would be the loss of revenue from stamp duty on house purchase if the present limit for the nil rate were raised from £15,000 to £20,000, and relevant transactions up to £25,000 were charged at 5p per £50 up to £21,000, 10p per £50 up to £20,000, 15p per £50 up to £23,000, 20p per £50 up to £24,000, and 25p per £50 up to £25,000; and if he will estimate what the figures would be if such changes were confined to transactions where the purchaser was buying with a view to making the property his only or main residence.

Mr. Denzil Davies

I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

Mr. Newton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the last change in the limits for the nil rate and reduced rates of stamp duty on house purchase was made; and what the limits then established would now be if since then they had been increased in line with (a) the retail price index, (b) an appropriate house price index, and (c) an appropriate earnings index, respectively.

Mr. Denzil Davies

I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.