§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from bodies within the county of Durham concerning the relocation of the 21 district tax offices away from London; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe Inland Revenue has received representations on this subject from Durham county council. The Inland Revenue's plans to relocate the 21 district tax offices—and parts of head office—have their origin in the reluctance of many trained inspectors to accept transfers to the London area. The choice of location for these offices was made only after a careful and thorough consideration of all the options. Operational and personal needs pointed to locations which already had a number of offices with a sufficient core of fully trained inspectors at particular grades.