§ 16. Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the substantial arrears of work with which the staff of the Inland Revenue at present have to deal.
§ Mr. DiamondThe staff of the Inland Revenue have for some time been working under heavy pressure, but, because of their admirable response, arrears of work have been kept within manageable bounds.
§ Mr. Stratton MillsDoes the right hon. Gentleman accept the statement by the Inland Revenue Staff Federation that over half a million hours of overtime have been worked in October, that something like half a million letters remain undealt with and over 800,000 tax assessments which are over two years old have not been looked at?
§ Mr. DiamondThe situation is that the number of letters from taxpayers uncleared within seven days, which is the normal method of calculation, is now at a lower figure than at any time in the last four months.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs it intended to increase the staff of the Inland Revenue, and if so, by how much?
§ Mr. DiamondNo, Sir, except to the extent that those in training will shortly become fully qualified and will be able to assist the more.