HC Deb 27 July 1909 vol 8 c1016
Mr. FELL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state under what statute the Commissioners of Inland Revenue are empowered to establish offices in various centres in the country where the land which may come under the provisions of the Finance Bill can be registered?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

If the hon. Member will refer to the reply which I gave to his questions on the 19th instant he will see that this question does not at present arise.

Mr. FELL

I am asking whether there is any statute which enables the Commissioners of Inland Revenue to establish these offices, and to that question I have never had a reply.

Mr. HOBHOUSE

That is exactly the question on which I said the matter does not at present arise.

Mr. FELL

Then it is not at present arranged for?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I have already answered the hon. Member on the 19th instant very fully. If he will turn up that answer he will find the information he asks for fully set out.

Lord BALCARRES

Might we have the reference to the statute authorising the establishment of these offices?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I have never said that the statute would be required.

Lord BALCARRES

But is there a statute authorising it?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Not so far as I am aware?