§ MR. H. C. LEA (St. Pancras, E.)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the fines levied by the Inland Revenue authorities in the Walsall district during the year 1907–8 and the ten previous years respectively; and will he state whether Inland Revenue officers responsible for the cases where fines are imposed get any commission on the fines so inflicted, and, if so, what is the amount.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE,) Carnarvon BoroughsThe amount of fines imposed for Excise offences in Walsall Excise district during the ten years 1486 ended 31st December, 1907, is as follows:—
In cases where fines are imposed as a result of an Order for legal proceedings by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, a reward is paid to the officer concerned, but the amount of such reward depends upon the circumstances of each case.
Year. Amount. £ s. d. 1898 6 2 6 1899 34 16 0 1900 11 5 0 1901 20 18 0 1902 16 6 0 1903 15 11 0 1904 24 3 0 1905 22 2 0 1906 51 0 0 1907 38 7 6
§ MR. H. C. LEADoes the right hon. Gentleman approve of the system of paying commissions to Inland Revenue officers in order to secure convictions?
§ MR. LLOYD-GEORGEI am not prepared to answer the Question until I have considered the point.
§ MR. H. C. LEAWill the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the abuses which arise, inquire into this matter?
§ MR. LLOYD-GEORGEIf my hon. friend can give me any information showing that mischief has been caused, I will certainly inquire.