§ Mr. LAWSONasked whether a new department has been formed in the Inland Revenue Office to deal with the valuation of land under the Land Taxation Clause of the Finance Act; if so, how many officers 185W have been appointed and under what conditions; what will be the total increase of staff required; and what will be the total cost to the Exchequer involved?
Mr. STEWARTasked how many valuers are to be appointed to carry out the valuations of land under the Budget scheme; what will be the annual remuneration of these valuers; are they appointed after competitive examination or by direct appointment; and, if by appointment without examination, by whom is this patronage exercised?
§ Captain CLIVEasked how many land valuers he proposes to appoint immediately on the passage of the Finance Bill into law; and how many of these will occupy positions that are permanent and pensionable?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEI will answer these three questions together. No new Department has been formed under the Board of Inland Revenue in connection with Part 1 of the Finance Bill. As regards the number of valuers required, and the cost involved, I may refer the hon. Members to the speeches made in Committee by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 11th and 17th August last. A number of these valuers will be permanent officials under the Board of Inland Revenue, with whom the appointment will rest. The remainder of the valuing staff, which will be similarly appointed, will be employed temporarily. No appointments have yet been made.