13. Mr. Ron Brownasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will expand tax evasion investigations, in view of the claim by the chairman of the Inland Revenue Board that an estimated £3,000 million per annum is lost to the Tresury through evasion.
§ Mr. BiffenThe Inland Revenue keeps the matter of tax evasion under constant review. Revised and more efficient investigation methods have contributed to a fourfold increase in the amount collected by way of back taxes, penalties and interest in the three years to 31 October 1979.
Mr. BrownThat is an interesting answer, although I do not accept it. Is it not about time that the Government dealt with the scroungers at the top—those who no doubt back the Tory Party—or is that something that the Minister wants to cover up? That is how it appears to people in Britain.
§ Mr. BiffenI reject entirely those accusations. The hon. Gentleman may be interested to know that the Inland Revenue plan to select 50 additional tax inspectors to deal with that problem.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyI shall try to put the matter in a less emotional way. Will my right hon. Friend say whether an extra tax inspector is likely to draw back more money for the Revenue than an extra supplementary benefit investigator?
§ Mr. BiffenNot without notice.
§ Mr. HealeyWill the Chief Secretary give his estimate for the revenue lost through tax evasion following the abolition of exchange controls?
§ Mr. BiffenNot without notice.