§ Mr. Kirbyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that working-class taxpayers of Liverpool who have to interview His Majesty's inspector of taxes, Liverpool 9th district, are com- 51W pelled to travel to Birkenhead for the purpose, sometimes losing wages through having to travel during working time; and will he arrange for all Liverpool taxpayers to be interviewed in Liverpool in the future.
§ Sir J. AndersonThe Liverpool 9th District Office, along with other Liverpool tax offices, was formerly situated in a single building in the centre of Liverpool. This building was destroyed in 1941 as a result of enemy action and other premises had to be found. In view of the shortage of accommodation in Liverpool and also in order to minimise the risk of further destruction, the tax offices were spread out over the Liverpool and surrounding area, and that is the position to-day. I recognise that this has meant some inconvenience to taxpayers, but I regret that it is not possible to make arrangements on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend as neither staff nor accommodation is available. Arrangements are, however, made for Revenue officers to visit large concentrations of staff, e.g., works, stores, etc., for the purpose of discussing taxation matters with the employees.