HC Deb 07 March 1967 vol 742 cc1230-1
2. Mr. Hooley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied that the staffing and working methods of the Inland Revenue are adequate to meet all the demands of economic and social planning especially in the field of personal taxation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. MacDermot

The Inland Revenue has been staffed to carry out the work which Parliament has directed it to do. Working methods are kept under continuous review to meet changing requirements.

Mr. Hooley

Will my hon. and learned Friend confirm that changes in taxation which are necessary on social grounds will not be held up on the plea of administrative difficulty?

Mr. MacDermot

That is rather a wide proposition. Administrative factors are often very important in deciding what alterations one can make to the tax position, but I assure my hon. Friend that social considerations are very much taken into account when considering taxation proposals.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Would not the hon. and learned Gentleman agree that it is desirable that all forms of taxation should be operated by the fiscal departments, and as we had a most serious departure from this last year with regard to the Selective Employment Tax, can he say when the normal Department will regain control of this tax?

Mr. MacDermot

The right hon. Gentleman will understand that I cannot make any statement on that at this stage.