HC Deb 14 October 1915 vol 74 cc1473-4
108. Mr. GEORGE TERRELL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any steps are being taken to find useful public employment for the staff of the Land Valuation Department, who are now being dismissed?

Mr. McKENNA

The attention of such Government Departments as might be likely to require men with valuation qualifications has been called to the fact that the temporary valuation staff is being reduced, as the work for which it was engaged is advancing towards completion. Should any opportunity arise of giving employment in any other branches of the Inland Revenue Department to suitable members of the temporary valuation staff, advantage will be taken of it.

Mr. HEMMERDE

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of employing the officials of the Land Valuation Department for adapting the present valuation to meet the case of Land Values Taxes imposed upon unimproved values in case the exigencies of war finance make that necessary?

Mr. McKENNA

I will consider the point put forward by the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether any men are being discharged from this Valuation Department in excess of the pledge given by the right hon. Gentleman to the House with regard to the retention of the necessary men?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir; no men are being discharged in excess of the forecast I gave in the House.