HC Deb 23 May 1946 vol 423 cc536-7
66. Mr. Shurmer

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that there is considerable delay in making refunds of Income Tax for newly born children; whether the delay arises owing to legal or administrative difficulties; and if it is possible for these refunds to be made more promptly.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Dalton)

The difficulty is the great pressure of work and shortage of staff in Tax Offices, and I am now considering what can be done to cut down the work and provide more staff. If my hon. Friend would let me have particulars of any cases of delay, I will gladly look into them

Mr. W. J. Brown

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how far the shortage of staff in tax offices is due to the conditions which exist? [HON. MEMBERS: "Speak up."] Can he tell us when he will put these right?

Mr. Dalton

We advance gradually from point to point. At the moment the chief difficulty is not that'. The chief difficulty is the pressure of work in these tax offices. A Question, I believe, is down on the Order Paper for me to answer next week, when I hope I shall be able to make a statement on what I can do in that regard.