§ Mr. DUCKWORTHasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the cold weather prevailing during May, arrangements can be made for the adequate heating of tax offices in various parts of the country according to the needs of the temperature rather than by reference to specific dates; and, if so, whether he can provide that the senior officer in the tax district shall be in a position to determine when heating is necessary?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONIn view of the exceptional conditions prevailing during May, arrangements have been made for the continuance of heating in tax offices, particularly in small and exposed buildings, beyond the normal date for cessation of central heating, viz., 15th May. In certain cases, however, the heating of the building is a legal liability of the lessor under the terms of the lease under which the buildings are held by the Department and, in these cases, it is not 2077W possible to insist on the heating of the buildings beyond the date specified. As regards the second part of the question, I regret that I am unable to agree to the suggestion that the senior officer in the tax district should be in a position to determine when heating is necessary, but full consideration has been, and will be, given to any representations made under conditions similar to those now existing.