§ 39. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will issue instructions to all Inland Revenue inspectors that communications from the public must be acknowledged promptly by their staffs and the queries raised followed up.
§ Mr. BiffenNo. Existing instructions to inspectors in charge of tax districts already require that communications from the public should normally be acknowledged where it is unlikely that the matter can be dealt with within 10 days. A somewhat longer period is allowed if the communication is part of a continuing correspondence. Acknowledgements are also required where a communication includes original documents, such as agreements or leases, or has to be redirected to another district. No changes in these instructions are proposed.
The staff of tax districts are required to follow up queries raised by the public. It is not intended to issue a general reminding instruction, but if my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind and will send me details I shall look into the matter.