Mr. NEWDEGATEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that on Thursday, 2nd January, a Mr. Cabena produced an authority on behalf of the Inland Revenue Department to value the farm and buildings, etc., occupied by Mr. J. Bold, in the parish of Knowle, Warwickshire, who under protest was obliged to allow him to make his examination or be penalised up to £50; and whether it is the custom of the Inland Revenue Department to give posts of such authority to persons of non-British origin?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEMr. Cabena's father and grandfather, though of Italian descent, were of British nationality, as is Mr. Cabena himself. I am informed that Mr. Cabena attended on Mr. Gold's farm on the 2nd January for the purpose of aiding a valuer to make certain measurements. No protest was made by Mr. Gold who after the completion of the work was shown, at his request, the formal authorisation of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue to inspect on their behalf. The penalty for not permitting inspection is noted on the authorisation, but was not referred to at the interview.