(1) Subject to this section, the Minister may -

(a) by order vary the rate of duty chargeable on any instrument specified in Schedule 1 or may exempt such instrument from duty, and

(b) make such order in respect of any particular class of instrument,

but no order shall be made under this section for the purpose of increasing any of the rates of duty.

(2) No order shall be made under this section for the purpose of varying the duty on any instrument or class of instrument where -

(a) such instrument or class of instrument relates to -

(i) any immovable property situated in the State or any rights or interest in such property,

(ii) any stock or share of a company having a register in the State, or

(iii) any risk situated in the State in relation to the heading "INSURANCE" in Schedule 1,

or

(b) such instrument or class of instrument is a bill of exchange.