HC Deb 20 January 1970 vol 794 cc240-1
21. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is satisfied that his policy of centralisation of taxation affairs does sufficient to retain personal methods of contact between his officials and taxpayers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Taverne

My right hon. Friend is aware that there have been delays in particular cases at Centre 1, East Kilbride, in the period while work is being transferred from local offices, but we are confident that the centralisation programme when completed will give taxpayers a quicker and more efficient service than is possible at present.

Mr. Dalyell

Since personal interview is often not only more convenient for our constituents but saves a great deal of paperwork for the Inland Revenue, and therefore valuable time, is not there a case for making clear in each printed leaflet where an individual can go for personal advice, rather than dealing with the computer centre?

Mr. Taverne

I entirely take my hon. Friend's point. Such a leaflet has been issued.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

Will the Minister at least give us an assurance that he will not add to the burdens of the centre when the overworked staff are quite unable to cope with the burden they already have? Will he reconsider the proposition put by the hon. Member for Midlothian (Mr. Eadie) that there is every justification for a full-scale inquiry into the operation of the centre?

Mr. Taverne

I do not think that this is a case for an inquiry. We have looked fully into these difficulties, and I think that they will decrease as the number of staff at the centre is increased.