§ 42. Mr. Callaghanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps are taken to preserve the confidential nature of Income Tax returns when they are disposed of.
Mr AmoryIncome Tax returns are normally disposed of with other Government waste paper of a confidential nature by pulping in paper mills, the pulping arrangements being subject to inspection by officials of the Stationery Office or the Post Office. The sacks containing the waste are sewn up securely and sealed before leaving the Tax Office.
In any area where satisfactory arrangements for pulping cannot be made, the returns are disposed of by burning or other means.
§ Mr CallaghanI am sure everybody will be delighted to have that reassurance, but can the Chancellor tell me how I came to pick up on the docks at Cardiff last week these Income Tax returns? I agree that they are old, but they relate to pottery firms in the Midlands and give full details of their income and correspondence between inspectors about 808 all their affairs. Is the Chancellor aware that these returns, in company with others, are regularly shipped to the Continent for disposal, without any regulation? When a bale breaks open, as they often do, these things are left lying about on the docks for anyone to pick up and examine people's private affairs.
Mr AmoryNo; I admit I am rather concerned by what the hon. Gentleman has said. All I can say is that if he will give me the most complete information he can give, I shall look into it as a serious matter if what in fact he alleges is capable of taking place.