§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the number of new claims for mortgage interest tax relief from first time claimants in the most recent year for which figures are available [12793]
§ Mr. Jack[holding answer 27 January 1997]: About 10.5 million single people or married couples benefited from mortgage interest relief in 1995–96. An estimated 400,000 of the beneficiaries were first time buyers with new mortgages.
§ Mr. BruceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his policy in respect of future levels of mortgage interest tax relief at source over the next five financial years; and if he will make a statement. [12795]
§ Mr. Jack[holding answer 27 January 1997]: As my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer said in his 1995 Budget speech, interest relief will remain unchanged for the lifetime of this Parliament. Beyond that, the level of mortgage interest relief is a matter to be considered each year in the Budget.