§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effect of the postal strike on all Government Departments, their efficiency and output; to what extent the Inland Revenue and other tax departments failed to collect taxes during the previous week compared with a similar period in 1970; and whether he will ensure that taxpayers are not prosecuted for failure to pay taxes where the failure is due to the Post Office strike.
§ Mr. HigginsThe Government are keeping under close review all aspects of the postal strike as it affects Government Departments, including the revenue departments, but it is too early to draw any conclusions about the effects of the262W strike on the flow of revenue. As to tax payments, individual cases will as usual be dealt with on their merits.