HC Deb 04 November 2003 vol 412 cc630-2W
Mr. Prisk

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether licences granted to(a) individuals and (b) businesses requiring an interest in land will be exempt from stamp duty land tax. [135603]

Ruth Kelly

The acquisition of a licence to use or occupy land is not in itself a chargeable transaction. However, the acquisition of such licences is often part of a larger transaction, other elements of which may be chargeable.

Mr. Prisk

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what alternative suggestions he has received to the proposal of charging stamp duty land tax on leases other than basing the charge on the net present value of the lease. [135606]

Ruth Kelly

A number of alternative suggestions were received, some based on net present value, some based on average annual rent and some based on a combination of the two.

Mr. Prisk

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether assured shorthold tenancies will be chargeable to stamp duty land tax after 1 December. [135623]

Ruth Kelly

The grant of a lease, including an assured shorthold tenancy, is within the scope of stamp duty land tax. Whether there is a charge will depend on a number of factors such as the initial term and the rent payable.

Mr. Prisk

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether mineral rights royalties are to be chargeable for stamp duty land tax after 1 December. [135624]

Ruth Kelly

The grant of a lease, including a lease giving the right to extract minerals, is within the scope of stamp duty land tax. Whether there is a charge will depend on a number of factors such as the initial term and the rent payable.