asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in connection with the powers of entry granted to officials to enter private homes for the purpose of carrying out inspection and investigation, with special reference to the 1,124 officials now employed in the Rating Valuation Branch of the Inland Revenue, what limit he has fixed to the maximum number of officials that may be engaged on this work.

Professional and sub-professional staff in the Rating Valuation Branch of the Inland Revenue have authority to enter, survey and value any hereditament. Their number will be increased to about 3,000 in order to undertake the revaluation of all hereditaments in England and Wales as provided by the Local Government Act, 1948. When the revaluation is completed the number is expected to fall to about 1,300

Are we to understand that an unlimited number of officials can be appointed? Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the whole practice is really the negation of liberty? Is not the bud of liberty opening yet?

I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman knows it, but these powers were originally derived from an Act of 1925 and ultimately derived from an Act of 1836.

How do we distinguish these officials when they arrive at the door?

They present their credentials and give evidence of who they are.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury which of the Departments who have power to enter private houses for inspection and investigation without a warrant exercise these powers under Statute; and which by order or regulation.

The Inland Revenue and the War Damage Commission exercise their powers directly under Statute, the Ministry of Civil Aviation partly by Order and partly by Regulations made under Statute.

Are we to understand that these powers are really being operated by delegated legislation? How much longer is this country going to put up with the ever-increasing power of the Executive?