§ 87. Mr. H. JONESasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many collectors' offices there were in England and Wales before the amalgamation of the Customs and Excise Departments and the number there are at present; whether, in view of the fact that taxpayers in populous centres such as Oldham (147,000), Coventry (108,000), Huddersfield (107,000), Burnley (106,000), and Merthyr Tydvil (80,000) have no such office, but remit the revenue through the money order offices without cost to the Exchequer, he will consider the question of reducing the number of existing offices and thus effect a large saving of revenue?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe number of collectors' offices in England and Wales before 792 the amalgamation of the Customs and Excise Departments was seventy-two, and the number at present is fifty-three. The question whether any particular office can be dispensed with is always considered when an opportunity arises but I would remind my hon. Friend that the mere receipt of revenue is one of the easiest and lightest of a collectors' multifarious duties, and I see no reason to suppose that the extension of the system referred to in the question would affect any saving.
§ Mr. SNOWDENCan the right hon. Gentleman make at any rate some arrangement or delegate one part of the work of collectors of taxes, namely, the issue of Entertainment Tax tickets to the public, as this has caused a great deal of inconvenience to people who have to come long distances to get them?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf the hon. Member will put a question down or write me on the subject, I will look into the matter.