§ Mr. GardinerTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations have been received by his Department from businesses regarding the proposed change in stamp duty. [132156]
§ Ruth KellyExtensive consultation with external representative bodies has been conducted both before Finance Act 2003 and after. Representations have also been received and considered from individuals, companies and organisations affected by the proposals and many useful suggestions have been made. These have been used to inform decision making, one example being the amendments I am today proposing to the Stamp Duty Land Tax treatment of leases, where continued consultation, as promised in the Budget, has helped shape the revisions to the Finance Act 2003.
§ Mr. GardinerTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate his Department has made of costs to business arising from the proposed change in stamp duty; and if he will make a statement. [132159]
§ Ruth KellyThe costs to business were included in the red book for the 2003 Budget.