HC Deb 09 March 1911 vol 22 cc1405-6
Mr. CARLILE

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether in many offices of surveyors of taxes unestablished or temporary clerks in classes C and D, who are subject to a week's notice to leave their employment, have access to all assessments for Income Tax by Special Commissioners; and, if so, whether he will take the necessary steps to secure that all such clerks shall be put upon the establishment?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse)

In accordance with the instructions, the normal practice is that only established officers deal with special assessments. It may, of course, happen that in a case of emergency an unestablished clerk might be called upon to deal with such a matter; but I may point out that all clerks to surveyors of taxes are sworn to secrecy. I do not propose to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of the hon. Member's question.

Mr. CARLILE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that persons making the returns for assessment for Income Tax by the Special Commissioners usually suppose that some degree of secrecy will be maintained with reference to their returns?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

That is so. That is why the clerks are sworn to secrecy.

Mr. CARLILE

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the swearing to secrecy of young clerks who are subject to one week's notice of dismissal from their work is a suitable arrangement?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Yes; we credit them with the same conscience as other people.