HC Deb 18 August 1909 vol 9 cc1376-7
Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked whether the 500 officers proposed to be appointed for the purpose of making the land valuation are to be permanent officials working under the Treasury or whether they are to be outside surveyors and valuers called in and paid by fees; and. in either case, how. and by whom, the appointments will be made?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

A certain number of the valuers to be appointed under the Finance Bill will be permanent officials working under the Board of Inland Re- venue, with whom the selection will rest. The remainder of the valuing staff will be only temporarily employed.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Will they be permanent valuers paid by fees, or will their whole time be taken up by the Treasury?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Most of them will be employed as whole-time officers, some temporarily and some permanently.

Mr. YOUNGER

Will these gentlemen be drawn from the same class who at present provide the assessors for Scotland?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I should like notice about Scotland.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Will they be drawn from the present ranks of the ordinary surveyors or will they be the Somerset House type of clerks?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

They will be persons who have some knowledge of valuation.