§ 18. Mr. Dalyellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he is doing to recruit qualified staff to the Inland Revenue, in the light of delays at tax offices such as East Kilbride.
§ Mr. William RodgersThere have been some transitional problems at East Kilbride, where there have been shortages, particularly of experienced staff. But vigorous local recruitment should mean that numbers will be up to the authorised complement by the end of the year.
§ Mr. DalyellWhat has been learnt for the future from what has happened at East Kilbride in relation to the transfer from orthodox offices to a computer system? What has been learnt from these difficulties?
§ Mr. RodgersWe foresaw that there would probably be some difficulty in obtaining experienced staff; to ensure that the job is properly done, they have to undergo some training. The whole experience will be evaluated, and what we have learned will be used on similar comparable occasions.
§ Mrs. EwingIn his deliberations, will the Minister recognise that taxpayers like to raise their queries at the local office? Is he aware that many of my constituents have to take time off from work to travel to the East Kilbride Inland Revenue office to raise their queries, and will he give an assurance that no further centralisation of this kind will take place?
§ Mr. RodgersThe main concern of taxpayers is that business shall be dealt with effectively and efficiently. We have to recognise not only local preferences and requirements but the wish of the general body of taxpayers to have the job done effectively at the least possible cost.