§ Mr. O'GRADYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state when the system of allowing surveyors of taxes a lump sum for the hire of clerks ceased?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George)The system under which clerks were hired by surveyors of taxes and were paid out of a lump sum provided for the purpose in the Inland Revenue Vote ceased on the 10th April, 1908.
§ Sir JOHN ROLLESTONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that over two-thirds, or about 500, of the men clerks to surveyors of taxes are employed on weekly agreements and receive salaries ranging from £l to £2 10s. per week; whether these clerks have access in the course of their duties to every return and statement furnished by taxpayers for the information of surveyors, including balance-sheets, trading and profit and loss accounts, deeds of partnership, etc.; and, if so, whether, in the interests of the tax-paying public, he will take steps to prevent this state of affairs continuing to exist, and to acquaint taxpayers with the position?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the answer to the second part is in the negative. I may add that the documents referred to are not always of a confidential nature and that all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent the contents of those which taxpayers would wish to keep private from being divulged.
§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEAm I to understand that some of these clerks are working for £l a week, and, if so, does the right hon. Gentleman think that that is sufficient pay for a clerk?
§ Mr. O'GRADYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware of the fact that the surveyors themselves have over and over again borne testimony to the fact that the responsibilities of the work do lie with the clerks, and that the wages are not sufficient for the work they do?
§ Mr. LLOYDWill the right hon. Gentleman give some assurance, in view of the immensely increased work these clerks have now to do owing to the Finance Act of 1909–10, that their case will receive special consideration?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGETheir case has received consideration.