§ Mr. LAWSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a new department has been formed in the Inland Revenue Office to deal with the valuation of land under the Land Taxation Clauses of the Finance Bill; if so, how many officers have been appointed and under what conditions; what will be the total increase of staff required; and what will be the total cost involved to the Exchequer?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEI must refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to similar questions by the hon. Members for the Wirral Division of Chester, and for the Ross Division of Hereford.
§ Mr. LAWSONDoes the right hon. Gentleman adhere absolutely to the Prime Minister's statement that the clear permanent charge involved will not be more than £150,000 a year, and does that include additions to the existing Valuation Department?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEI think I must have notice of that; I should not like to answer it off-hand.
§ Mr. LAWSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is a necessary condition for appointment to the Valuation Department of the Inland Revenue that applicants should be members of the Surveyors' Institution; and, if so, why other professional bodies have been excluded?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEThe existing Valuation Branch of the Inland Revenue is composed principally of Fellows and Professional Associates of the Surveyors' Institution. The selection of the staff was governed by the requirements of the public service in connection with Estate Duties.