§ 50. Mr. Stanley Prescottasked 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. DaltonAs the answer is detailed, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. PrescottWithout referring to hordes of unnecessary officials, can the Chancellor say when the tax office in Darwen will be reopened?
§ Mr. DaltonNo, 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. PrescottCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many other tax offices have been reopened and how many officials employed?
§ Mr. DaltonNone that have been closed have been reopened in my time.
§ Mr. W. J. BrownIf 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:
- Swansea—4 offices reduced to 2.
- Wigan—3 offices reduced to 1.
- Bradford—11 offices reduced to 10.
- Middlesbrough—4 offices reduced to 3.
- St. Helens—2 offices reduced to 1.
- South Shields—2 offices reduced to 1.
- Dundee—3 offices reduced to 2.
- Paisley—3 offices reduced to 2.