§ Mr. JAMES HOPEasked whether, and, if so, when, it is intended to appoint additional officers of Excise in the City of Sheffield to cope with the increase of work due to the Finance Act and the prospective increase owing to the coming removal of the Poor Law disqualification for old age pensions?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEA rearrangement of the work of the Excise officers in Sheffield collection, which includes Sheffield City, is at present under consideration. It is not at present intended to increase the staff of officers in the City of Sheffield in consequence of any work due to the Finance Act. As regards the prospective increase of pension work owing to the coming removal of the Poor Law disqualification, the question will be considered before the additional work in question arises and when a reliable estimate can be formed of its amount.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that these officers are worked practically up to the breaking point already, and also whether he is aware it is already estimated that at least 1,200 more claims will have to be investigated?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEIn regard to the first part of the supplementary question, I have to say that I am not aware of the 1191 fact. As to the second part, I do not know where the hon. Gentleman got his information from, but it is not according to mine.
§ Mr. STUART WORTLEYMay I ask whether there is any truth in the rumour that it is intended rather to diminish than increase the present staff?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI am not aware that there is any truth in the rumour. I was not aware of the rumour.