§ 23. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will issue a direction to the Inland Revenue to give priority over other work to the repayment of tax paid by but not due from individual citizens.
§ Mr. William RodgersMy right hon. Friend already attaches the greatest importance to dealing promptly with claims for repayment of tax and regrets any delays due to the very heavy burden of work carried by Inland Revenue staff.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIs it not indefensible for the Inland Revenue to retain money which is lawfully the taxpayers' on the ground that the Chancellor is overworking it?
§ Mr. RodgersThe right hon. Gentleman is being less than fair. There is a real problem here over the burden of work, and everything possible is being done to help members of the public affected.