Round-up of Wednesday's business pages

LONDON (Reuters) - Here is a summary of the main stories in Wednesday's business pages.

Financial Times

BROWN CONSIDERS A FREEZE ON STAMP DUTY

The Government is considering plans to freeze stamp duty as part of a package of measures aimed at boosting the economy. Chancellor Alistair Darling on Tuesday did not rule out such changes as he pledged to announce "further measures in the autumn to help people with housing." Yet, he stressed that "we have not concluded what exactly we need to do." A postponement of the one percent stamp duty charged on properties of 125,000 pounds to 250,000 pounds for an unspecified period of time is regarded as the most probable change. One other element of the economic package is believed to be a new savings account, which would allow first-time buyers a greater cash tax-free allowance to save towards a deposit.

PROPOSAL ENVISAGES US-SCALE DAMAGES CLAIMS

The Civil Justice Council has called on the Government to adopt its plans under which UK companies could face US-scale consumer damages claims. The radical proposals could open the way to mass "class action" lawsuits where people could claim up to billions from businesses accused of a series of wrongdoings, from price-fixing to selling dangerous products. Robert Musgrove, the public body's chief executive, said the scheme had been "carefully crafted" to help legitimate demands while excluding speculative actions. The Ministry of Justice said it would consider the plans.

REPOSSESSIONS SURGE MORE THAN 40 PERCENT

New data from the Financial Services Authority has shown that repossessions of homes have jumped more than 40 percent, with lenders reclaiming 9,152 properties in the first quarter of 2008, against 6,471 last year. The figures raise concerns that some lenders are acting too quickly against homeowners who face difficulties to pay their bills. Adam Sampson, chief executive of Shelter, the housing charity, commented on the data: "We have now reached crisis point in the number of people at risk of repossession and alarm bells must be ringing in the government." The findings came as Northern Rock (NRKx.L) announced the number of its clients who had fallen into arrears has increased since last year.

OIL AND GAS BOOM BOLSTERS ROTORK