I'm back... lovely fortnight at the coast, thanks to those who asked. Wifi was non-existent, 3G dongle-connection blew with the wind, and TV/radio was outlawed. I did read the papers, however, and was as shocked as (presumably) you to watch the Stamp Duty "story". So... somebody nudges the Government and tells them the property market's ailing. Great... a chance to, not just damage something but, utterly destroy it, really slam the last nail in the coffin lid and walk away with a stupid smirk. Darling and Brown step up the mark... why not have a public argument about Stamp Duty? Why not hint that you're about to completely repeal it - and so stall the few sales about to exchange - and then do nothing? Even better, why not put it about that:

Although work is under way on a range of options involving possible changes to stamp duty and other measures to help buyers, there is deep scepticism about the idea in the Treasury.

Will the last Labour-voting estate agent switch off the lights before leaving the room...

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