Mr. FriskTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact of increases in stamp duty land tax on economic regeneration policies in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [135612]
§ Ruth KellyI have been asked to reply.
The Government have introduced disadvantaged areas relief which provides an exemption from stamp duty land tax for transactions in non-residential land in Enterprise Areas. There are 135 areas in Scotland which qualify for this relief, selected by reference to the national index of deprivation. The measure provides a major boost to businesses investing in commercial premises in Scotland.