HC Deb 28 September 1915 vol 74 cc717-8
27. Mr. CURRIE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has recently caused notice to be given to a large additional number of the staff of the Land Valuation Department that their services will be dispensed with on an early date; if so, whether those so notified are mainly men of military age; and whether a portion of these vacancies are being filled by the appointment of temporary men of over military age, and to a certain extent by the appointment of women where practicable?

Mr. McKENNA

The stage which has been reached in the original valuation of land under Part I. of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, renders it possible to dispense with the services of a number of the temporary valuation staff, and the reduction in numbers is being effected so far as possible by selecting for discharge men of military age. With regard to the last part of the question, there is no intention of replacing the officers now being discharged.

29. Sir J. ROLLESTON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state how many official have been discharged or have ceased to be employed in the Land Valuation Department since 1st March last; how many new appointments have been made since that date; how many officials were still employed in the depart- ment on 1st September last, and what is the total amount of their salaries; how many officials are employed by the Commissioners in the Somerset House Land Department, and what was the total of their salaries; whether any attempt has been made to reduce the rental expenses; and, if so, what is the amount of the reduction?

Mr. McKENNA

The number of Valuation Office officials whose employment under the Board of Inland Revenue terminated between 1st March and 1st September is 1,437. The number of new appointments in this period is twelve. The number of the effective valuation staff on 1st September was 2,620, the salaries amounting to £411,150. Valuation Office premises to the rental value of £2,800 have either already been given up or will be given up at an early date. The number of officials employed on 1st September in the Land Values branch of the Inland Revenue Department was fifty-six, their salaries totalling £9,570.

Mr. WATT

Are we to take these figures as indicating that the Government has abandoned the taxation of land for the future?

Mr. McKENNA

Oh, no.