§ 37. Lord APSLEYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of civil servants engaged in the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise Departments, respectively, on 1st April in each of the last three years.
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Ronald McNeill)With my Noble Friend's permission, I will circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
§ Excluding collectors of taxes and clerks to Commissioners, whose employment on Inland Revenue duties is, in the majority of cases, part-time only, the staff employed by the Inland Revenue numbered at the
| 1st April, 1925 | … | … | 15,904 |
| 1st April, 1926 | … | … | 16,288 |
| 1st April, 1927 | … | … | 16,477 |
§ The total staff employed in the Customs and Excise Department was as follows:
| 1st April, 1925 | … | … | 11,228 |
| 1st April, 1926 | … | … | 11,564 |
| 1st April, 1927 | … | … | 11,795 |
§ 40. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what are the reasons which have necessitated an increase in the number of officials and other persons employed in His Majesty's Customs of over 500 since 1924; and whether he anticipates any further increase in the near future?
§ Mr. McNEILLThe increase in the number of persons employed in the Customs and Excise Department since 1924 is attributable to the additional revenue and non-revenue work since imposed upon the Department by legislation. As regards the last part of the question, some further increase will be necessary, but it is anticipated that on the basis of existing volume of work the position will soon be stabilised.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government have repeatedly stated that no increases will be required in connection with the new duties and, in that case, how does he account for this state of affairs?
§ Mr. McNEILLI have no doubt, where that statement applies, it will prove to be correct.
§ Mr. E. BROWNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that one hundred of these officials are housed in His Majesty's Mint, there is such an increase owing to the Safeguarding Duties?