§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list all those bodies or individuals which have presented written evidence to the committee on enforcement powers of revenue departments chaired by Lord Keith; if he will show which of these bodies or individuals has been called to give oral evidence; on how many occasions officers of the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise have appeared before the committee; whether the review is taking place on Inland Revenue premises; and to what extent it is staffed by Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise officers.
§ Mr. RidleyI understand that 61 organisations as well as a number of firms and individuals have so far presented written evidence. I do not think it would be appropriate to name these witnesses without first seeking their consent. Twenty-one organisations and six firms and individuals have been called to give oral evidence. Officers of the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise have appeared before the committee on six occasions. The review is taking place at GKN House, Kingsway, London; these are not Inland Revenue premises—and no part of the building is currently occupied by an Inland Revenue office. The secretariat of the committee is comprised of three serving officers of the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received concerning the composition of the committee on enforcement powers of revenue departments chaired by Lord Keith; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RidleyWe have received one letter on this topic. We have every confidence in Lord Keith and his committee.
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