To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what exemptions there are to stamp duty on new houses in Wales; what the cut-off threshold is on stamp duty in Wales; what plans he has for changes in the stamp duty system in Wales; and if he will make a statement. (130022)

Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) rates and thresholds, like all other national taxes, apply equally to the whole of the UK and have never been set on a regional basis.

The starting residential threshold is currently £125,000 and a higher £150,000 threshold is available in 2,000 disadvantaged wards across the UK.

As announced at Budget 2007, there will be an exemption from SDLT for new zero-carbon homes from 1 October 2007. All qualifying homes under £500,000 will be exempt from SDLT and qualifying homes over £500,000 will have their SDLT bill reduced by £15,000. No exemption from SDLT exists for other types of new homes.

SDLT rates and thresholds, like all other taxes, are kept under constant review as part of the Budget process, and any changes made are announced also as part of this process.