asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the current arrangements for the despatch of income tax return forms to taxpayers at the commencement of a new financial year: whether such despatch is a computerised process; and whether, in view of the very large numbers of forms involved, it is spread over a period of weeks.
The only office where the issue of income tax returns is controlled by a computer is centre 1 at East Kilbridge, but the basis of selection and issue is the same as in all other offices. The preparation of income tax returns for issue may take several weeks, but they are despatched on 6 April or as soon afterwards as is possible. Apart from this bulk issue, returns may be issued in individual cases throughout the year as required or requested.