§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has had since 1989 about the non-availability of mortgage interest tax relief for persons who are not in the mortgage interest relief at source scheme and whose income has fallen below the tax threshold; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellTreasury Ministers have received a few such representations.
§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the number of home buyers benefiting from the mortgage interest tax relief facility open to lenders to operate separate loan accounts for qualifying and non-qualifying parts of their loans; what is his estimate of the number of lenders operating such a facility; and what plans he has to encourage publicity for such arrangements.
§ Mr. DorrellThese arrangements are for borrowers and lenders to agree between themselves. We have no estimates either of the number of lenders offering the facility or the number of borrowers taking advantage of it. Inland Revenue guidance notes to lenders in the MIRAS scheme remind them that they can operate separate loan accounts if they wish. In July, the Inland Revenue intends to publish a revised version of its leaflet aimed at borrowers, and this will refer to these arrangements.