§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of staff numbers at the Inland Revenue in(a) 1997–98 and (b) 2002–03; what the reasons are for change in staff numbers; in which areas changes in numbers have taken place; and if he will make a statement. [91719]
§ Dawn PrimaroloStaff usage in the Inland Revenue (including the Valuation Office Agency) for 1997–98 was 55,989 full time equivalent staff. Current plans show an estimated usage for 2002–03 of 72,444. The change is due mainly to
The transfer of staff from the contributions and benefits agencies in 1999;Preparation for the introduction of new tax credits on 1 April 2003;Implementation of the Grabiner review of the informal economy;Workload growth.
§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many local tax offices have been(a) owned and (b) utilised by the Inland Revenue in each year from 1985–86 to 2002–03; and if he will make a statement. [91723]
§ Dawn PrimaroloRegrettably we are unable to supply an answer to this question on the grounds of disproportionate costs.