§ SIR EDWARD SASSOON (Hythe)To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the nature of the instructions prescribed to the surveyors of taxes in the matter of applications for abatement of 3d. in the pound; and if he can see his way to recommend some mitigation of the inquisitiveness of these agents, consistent with due protection of public revenue.
(Answered by Mr. Asquith.) It is the duty of surveyors of taxes to verify all claims for relief in respect of earned income and, inasmuch as the relief can only be granted upon proof that the total income of the applicant does not exceed £2,000 per annum, it is necessary for the surveyor to be furnished with full particulars before he is in a position to certify the claim. The Board of Inland Revenue are satisfied that their surveyors have limited themselves to such inquiries as are necessary for the protection of the Revenue.