§ Mr. GERSHOM STEWART (for Mr. Nield)asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the cases in which he has power to interfere, he will insist that a person holding the office of assessor or collector of taxes, and who at the same time is carrying on the business of an auctioneer and valuer, shall not be permitted to act as valuer against the Crown in the negotiation and settlement of land valuations under the Finance Act, and so be enabled to use confidential information acquired by him in the discharge of his official duties?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI do not consider that the assumption contained in the concluding words of the hon. Member's question is sufficiently warranted to justify me in interfering in the manner suggested.
§ Mr. G. STEWARTalso asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will issue instructions to the District Commissioners and others who have the supervision of the officials engaged as assessors and collectors of taxes to prohibit any official so engaged accepting employment in relation to the negotiation and settlement of land valuations under the Finance Act, or acting in any way against the 1336 Crown in any connection with such matters?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI have nothing to add to the reply given to a similar question put by the hon. Member on the 23rd ultimo.
§ Mr. GIBSON BOWLESIs it not the case that these surveyors have to take an oath?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEYes.