§ 27. Mr. Gardnerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will instruct the Inland Revenue Department that when Income Tax allowances for dependants are discontinued those concerned should be given details of assistance available from the Ministry of Social Security.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsThere would be great difficulty in putting upon the Inland Revenue responsibility for advising about the whole possible range of social security benefits.
§ Mr. GardnerDoes not my right hon. Friend think that this is a humane service which might be provided? Is he aware that people are often denied supplementary benefits which are available to them, even after weeks, indeed years, of argument with the Inland Revenue authorities about tax allowances, simply because no one tells them? Will he look at the matter again?
§ Mr. JenkinsI am aware of the particular case which brought this matter to my hon. Friend's attention. I am glad that he chooses to present the Inland Revenue in a humane way. The Inland Revenue is a very heavily burdened Department and there are limits to the burdens which I can or should place upon them.