Q1. [220722] Mr. Alan Reid (Argyll and Bute) (LD): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 9 March.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Tony Blair): This morning, I had meetings with ministerial colleagues. In addition to my duties in the House, I will have further such meetings later today.

Mr. Reid: Is the Prime Minister aware that the average house price on the Isle of Mull has soared to £125,000, thus forcing many local people out of the housing market and into caravans and chalets? That is typical of many rural parts of the country. The Prime Minister could help by adopting the fully costed Liberal Democrat policy of abolishing stamp duty on houses that cost less than £150,000. Will the Prime Minister help people in rural areas such as Mull by adopting that policy?

The Prime Minister: First, of course it is true that house prices have increased in the hon. Gentleman's constituency and in constituencies throughout the country. We have an immensely strong economy under the Government, with low inflation, low mortgage rates and low unemployment. However, it is important that we continue with the investment that we are making in public services.

We have looked carefully at the Liberal Democrats' spending plans, especially their plan to get £30 billion off top-rate taxpayers by raising the top-rate of tax from 40 per cent. to 50 per cent. and introducing a local income tax. However, having looked at them, we decided to reject them. ...

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