§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if bonus payments are to be given to Inland Revenue staff as a result of the intended collection of extra revenue following closer inspection of the accounts of small businesses; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MooreAs part of their policy to enhance the management performance and effectiveness of the Civil Service, the Government announced on 5 December 1984 an experimental scheme starting in April 1985 under which staff at the levels of grade 3 (Under Secretary) down to Principal and equivalent grades will have the opportunity to earn a bonus for particularly good performance during the year. This scheme will operate in all Departments. The staff eligible in the Inland Revenue include the more senior tax inspectors, but there is no question of the scheme being set up specifically for them. As it happens, the inspectors who will qualify for bonuses do not generally deal with the accounts of small businesses. But, in any event, no inspector has been offered the chance of a bonus for bringing in extra tax revenue from small businesses.