HC Deb 27 April 1920 vol 128 cc1030-1
70. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total cost of the Land Valuation Department from its inception to the 5th April, 1919; and what is the estimated cost of it for the year ending the 5th April, 1921?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for Penryn and Falmouth.

72. Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what was the total number of valuations made by the Land Valuation Department; and how many were accepted without negotiation and after negotiation and amendment respectively?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The number of valuations made by the Land Valuation Office in connection with the original valuation under Part I. of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, is about 7,750,000. In addition the Valuation Office has made valuations in connection with Death Duties, Land Values Duties, and for a variety of other purposes; the number of these is very considerable; but no detailed record of them has been kept. No separate record has been kept of the number of valuations accepted without negotiation or otherwise.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Are the establishment charges now going to be reduced?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Very consider able reductions have been made. I have not the particulars present in my mind. As I told the House yesterday, I am inquiring whether further reductions of the staff are not possible.