HC Deb 15 February 1972 vol 831 cc221-2
3. Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to ensure that letters from members of the public to the various tax offices are answered promptly.

Mr. Higgins

The staff of tax offices make every endeavour to deal promptly with letters from members of the public. If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind I shall be happy to look into it.

Mr. Mitchell

Is the Minister aware that, since the reorganisation of tax offices, there has been a growing volume of complaints from the public that tax offices take a long time to answer their letters and sometimes do not answer them at all? Is he aware that, since I returned to the House in June, I have had more complaints from members of the public on this subject than I had in the whole of the last Parliament?

Mr. Higgins

Yes, I am aware of the correspondence which the hon. Gentleman has had with my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury. Overall, the work situation in tax districts is now somewhat better than it has been in recent times. The matter the hon. Gentleman raises is of grave concern, and we will certainly look closely at any cases which are brought to our attention.

Mr. Simon Mahon

Would it not help if the new tax offices which are envisaged were to be more rapidly completed? In my constituency a large tax office which would provide considerable employment is two years behind schedule. Will the Minister do something about getting it completed and tell me when it will be completed?

Mr. Higgins

I will certainly bring that to the attention of my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary who, I know, will look into it.