Housing minister Caroline Flint added to confusion over the Government's position amid warnings that uncertainty is hampering house sales. She confirmed a temporary suspension of the tax, which is £9,000 on average in London, is being considered by the Treasury. But she admitted there was concern it would not work as higher deposits and difficulty getting loans approved were the major factors in the depression of the market. "Stamp duty is not a Holy Grail in all this," she said.