HC Deb 08 August 1893 vol 15 cc1556-7
MR. THEOBALD (Essex, Romford)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether, by the General Order 44/1893, it is intended to substitute a number of new books, schedules, and returns which will not come into force in the Inland Revenue; and whether, in view of the fact that this intention runs counter to the revised system that established a uniform system for the two Departments, and which came into operation on 1st June, 1882, and will entail very considerable additional expense, he will consider whether any financial arrangement, originally estimated without reference to the actual counter-scheme since issued, should be revised by calling for another Return from the Inspectors and Collectors now that the new scheme is before them?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

It has been decided, after full consideration and with the approval of the Treasury, to adopt a modified system of warehouse accounts in the Customs Service, together with a central stock account to be kept in the Statistical Office in London. Although the change will involve some increase of expense in the first instance, it is fully expected to prove in a very short time less expensive than the present system of accounts. It is not proposed to call for any additional Return or Estimate in reference to the Customs General Order No. 44, as all necessary inquiries were made before that Order was issued.