HC Deb 31 December 1912 vol 46 cc204-6
46. Mr. FELL

asked what steps, if any, are taken by the Government to provide the inspectors, surveyors, and other in dividuals who claim to have the right to trespass on private land and premises with their evidence of authority to support the position they claim to hold; and if these individuals will be instructed to present such credentials for examination before they enter upon the premises.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

If the hon. Member is referring to the right of inspection of land under the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, I beg to refer him to Section 31 (2) of that Act, Every valuer appointed to carry out the valuations under Part I. of the Finance Act has a written authority signed by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue to inspect land, and he is instructed to endorse this authority with his usual signature and to produce it on demand to any person entitled to require its production.

Mr. FELL

My question extended to others besides land valuers. Does the right hon. Gentleman think it right that one should find a couple of men prowling round one's garden, and that these men when challenged could show no evidence of their authority?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

If they have not got the necessary authority, of course they have no right to be there, but if they have the necessary authority then they have a perfect right to be there.

Mr. FELL

Should they not first go to the front door and produce their authority?

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I think the general instruction followed by the valuers should be followed in all cases, namely, that before coming on a property they should write to inform the owner or occupier that they have to discharge this duty, and making an appointment convenient to all parties.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I will consider the suggestion of the right hon. Gentleman, but it is not always convenient for the valuer when visiting a particular neighbourhood to go to the same neighbourhood two or three times to inspect contiguous property. Subject to that, I will consider the suggestion which has been made to me.

Mr. LEIFJONES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is the general practice of valuers to give notice when they are coming?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I certainly was under that impression. If the right hon. Gentleman tells me that there are cases in which that does not occur I should be pleased to hear of them, and I should be very much obliged if the Noble Lord opposite can give me any information in support of that statement.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

As far as my experience is concerned, I have received nothing but courtesy from these gentlemen, and the officials with whom I have been brought into contact did give me notice beforehand, and inquired whether it would be convenient to me that they should inspect the property on a given day. I suggest that what they do for a Member of this House they might do for the general public.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Certainly; I quite agree with the right hon. Gentleman. I have received no complaints of uncivil treatment on the part of these officials, but quite the reverse. The testimony I have had on all hands from those opposed to the Act, as well as those who support it, is that they have discharged their functions with unvarying civility.