asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that is cases where the owner has made full returns on Form IV. the valuation officers are making inquiries of tenants as to the rent they pay; whether there is any authority, and, if so, under what Section of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, for that course of action; and whether it is being pursued with the approval of the Treasury?

The amount of rent paid by a tenant is, no doubt, one of the matters on which a valuer sometimes makes inquiries at the time of inspecting property for the purpose of valuation. No authority is required for a mere request for information.