asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many officials are employed by the Board of Inland Revenue on the central valuation of properties; and how many will be needed if the valuation lists are to be ready in 1953.

On 1st January, 1951, there were 5,453 officers employed on the rating side of the valuation office. It is expected that this number will rise to about 8,600 when the peak of the revaluation work is reached. A high proportion of the total staff will be engaged temporarily.