§ 19. Mr. Eadieasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what instructions he has issued to tax offices in order to expedite the handling of tax matters in their respective areas.
§ Mr. Harold LeverStaff in tax offices have standing instructions to deal with taxpayers' affairs as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. EadieIs my hon. Friend aware that in many areas there are delays in dealing with tax matters and that the excuse of computers being to blame is wearing a bit thin?
§ Mr. LeverI am not aware of having used or heard the excuse of computers. There is a great number of arrears and we are anxious to handle taxpayers' affairs as speedily as possible. There is not always a universal reciprocal eagerness on the part of some taxpayers, but we get along as well as we can.
§ Mr. Michael ShawIs the hon. Gentleman aware that one of the worst sources
| FINANCIAL RESULTS OF THE NATIONALISED INDUSTRIES | ||||
| Information is given below about the net income and return on capital of each of the nationalised undertakings during the periods of office of their present Chairmen. Figures are not readily available either for the latest complete financial years of the industries (in respect of which accounts have not yet been published) or for the years before 1962–63. No figures are given in respect of industries for which a complete year's financial results during the present Chairman's term of office are unavailable. The Gas Council was not a trading concern before 1968–69 and is also omitted. | ||||
| Date of Appointment of Chairman | Return on Capital* | Net income at Current Prices† | Net Income at Constant Prices‡ | |
| Per cent. | £ million | £ million | ||
| NATIONAL COAL BOARD | 1. 2.61 | |||
| 1962–63 | 5.2 | 45.4 | 52.4 | |
| 1963–64 | 6.7 | 58.1 | 66.2 | |
| 1964–65 | 4.9 | 42.9 | 47.5 | |
| 1965–66 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | |
| 1966–67 | 3.7 | 29.0 | 29.6 | |
| 1967–68 | 4.6 | 35.3 | 35.3 | |
| SOUTH OF SCOTLAND ELECTRICITY BOARD | 1. 4.67 | |||
| 1967–68 | 5.6 | 19.4 | 19.4 |
§ of delay is the Share Valuation Department where accountants frequently experience delays of up to six months?
§ Mr. LeverThat is a separate question, but if the hon. Member would like me to look into it, I certainly will.