§ MR. HAZELL (Leicester)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to 565 the duties performed by the three superintending inspectors of taxes at Somerset House; whether the solo duties of these three gentlemen consist in superintending the work of ten inspectors of taxes; whether he has considered whether the whole of the duties they perform could be efficiently done by one official; and whether these positions will be revised with a view to economy when vacancies occur?
§ MR. HANBURYThe three superintending inspectors of taxes assist the chief inspector in the general control of the staff of 11 district inspectors and 282 surveyors and assistant surveyors of taxes, in the assessment and collection of income tax, land tax, and house duty. It is their business to examine the periodical reports of the district inspectors on the staff under their control, and the work which they perform, the accounts rendered by members of the staff, and all questions affecting the remuneration of officers locally engaged in the collection of taxes, and alterations in the areas and jurisdiction of district commissioners. They have to report upon the qualifications of assistant surveyors for the position of surveyor, to make inquiries into assessments; and generally to conduct correspondence with the public on matters requiring personal investigation. The Inland Revenue Board are of opinion that the duties at present devolving upon the superintending inspectors do not admit of their number being reduced.