LAND VALUATION DEPARTMENT.

HC Deb 26 April 1920 vol 128 c860W

Brigadier-General CROFT

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the annual cost of the staff engaged in the Land Valuation Department?

Sir E. NICHOLL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) the amount received from the land values duty since its inception to 5th April, 1920, and the total expenses of the State Valuation Department for the same period;

(2) whether, seeing that it is the intention of the Government to still continue the State Valuation Department, he will state what will be the annual expenditure for running same for the financial year ending 5th April, 1921?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I will answer these questions together.

Question 100.—The estimated cost of the staff (i.e., salaries and allowances) of the Valuation Department for the current financial year is £468,000. Since 1914 the staff has been reduced by 3,586, and I am considering whether further reductions of staff can be made and will inform the hon. Member later of the result of my inquiry.

Question 127.—

1. (a) Total receipt of Land Values Duties, excluding Mineral Rights Duty and Excess Mineral Bights Duty to 31st March, 1920, is £1,329,000.
2. (b) Total cost incurred in connection with the work of the Valuation Department and the collection of the Land Values Duties up to 31st March, 1920, is estimated at £5,000,000.

Question 128.—The estimated cost of the Valuation Department for the current financial year is £537,000 (including an estimated sum of £35,000 in respect of expenditure borne on the Votes of other Departments).