HC Deb 23 July 1946 vol 425 cc1868-9
50. Mr. Stanley Prescott

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many tax offices have been closed since 1939 and in what respective places; how many have been reopened since the cessation of hostilities and where; and what additional staff would be necessary to reopen all offices at present closed.

Mr. Dalton

As the answer is detailed, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Prescott

Without referring to hordes of unnecessary officials, can the Chancellor say when the tax office in Darwen will be reopened?

Mr. Dalton

No, Sir. The answer is still the same as when the hon. Gentleman asked exactly the same question a short time ago—we must be on our guard against the employment of unnecessary hordes of officials.

Mr. Prescott

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many other tax offices have been reopened and how many officials employed?

Mr. Dalton

None that have been closed have been reopened in my time.

Mr. W. J. Brown

If we must be on our guard against hordes of unnecessary officials, why on earth do the Government go ahead with the rationing scheme for bread?

Following is the statement:

Since the outbreak of the war 10 tax offices have been closed down in the following towns:

None of these offices has been reopened. The additional staff required to reopen these offices would not be large, but I could not justify the expense involved.