HC Deb 13 December 1989 vol 163 cc649-50W
Mr. Devlin

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what deliberations have been held on the future of stamp duties in the light of the consultative document issued in 1983.

Mr. Lilley

Following the response to the consultative document, numerous changes have been made. Since 1985 we have abolished a number of stamp duties, including capital duty and unit trust instrument duty, and streamlined procedures for those that remain.

Mr. Devlin

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what plans he has to streamline the levying of stamp duty on unit trusts;

(2) whether he will consider removing stamp duty from unit trust transactions;

(3) whether he will eliminate stamp duty on the sale and re-purchase of trusts within a unit trust.

Mr. Lilley

I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget Statement.

Mr. Devlin

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about the future of stamp duty being levied on unit trusts.

Mr. Lilley

I have received a number of representations from the unit trust industry suggesting altering the stamp duty charge on unit trusts.

Mr. Devlin

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what volume of share transactions attract the minimum rate of stamp duty each year.

Mr. Lilley

I regret the information is not available.