§ Mr. HUGH BARRIEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, on 28th January, a mass meeting of the surveyors of taxes was held at 1831W Birmingham to protest against the amount of overwork in the Taxes branch; and what action he proposes to take with regard to the promised improvements of the clerical staff in tax offices?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the concluding inquiry, I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 20th ultimo by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for Hawick Burghs.
§ Mr. HUGH BARRIEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that at a meeting in March, 1910, of the Associated Chambers of Commerce in London, a resolution was passed unanimously condemning the present system of staffing tax offices, and calling on the Government to substitute Civil Servants in place of the present staff; if so, whether he proposes to take any, and what, action in the matter?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI do not propose to take any action on the lines referred to by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. HUGH BARRIEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what increases and improvements the Board of Inland Revenue have asked the Treasury to sanction in the matter of staffing of tax districts; and whether the Treasury have refused, in whole or in part, to sanction such increases as the Board have asked for?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEAn increase of 108 clerks has been applied for and approved by the Treasury. Thirty-three clerks already in the service will be placed on the establishment.