§ Sir John Farrasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has received from firms in the knitting industry complaining of the methods used by Inland Revenue staff to secure payment of taxes, including resort to distress proceedings when tax is one day overdue; if he will issue guidance to the Inland Revenue regarding the means used to secure payment of taxes and the criteria to be used in deciding on the point at which any legal proceedings should be instigated; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MooreI have received representations from the Leicester and District Knitting Industry Association Ltd. about these and other matters of concern to its members, and I shall be replying shortly. Inland Revenue officials have a responsibility to collect tax which is overdue, but they carry out these duties in accordance with departmental instructions. If my hon. Friend has information suggesting that a particular case has been mishandled, I will be pleased to inquire into it.