asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the hardship inflicted on young married couples desiring to acquire houses, through the operation of the 5 per cent. stamp duty and whether he will consider introducing proposals for legislation providing for the remission of this duty in all cases where the purchaser intends to use the premises as a residence, and where the purchase price does not exceed £2,500.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - House Purchase Stamp Duty.
During the course of the debates on last year's Finance Bill I explained my general attitude towards the increases in stamp duty imposed by the second Finance Act of 1947. The stamp duty increases in question will, of course, be among the matters for consideration in connection with the framing of the forthcoming Budget. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that I am precluded from foreshadowing what proposals my Budget statement may or may not contain.