To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much he expects to make in efficiency savings from changes to the HM Revenue and Customs Service in Wales; and if he will make a statement. (133718)

[holding answer 24 April 2007]: HMRC is structured around customers and business functions rather than geographically. Each of HMRC’s business directorates is required to contribute to HMRC’s overall efficiency savings across the spending review 2004 period, but the requirement is not defined by geographical region.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much he expects to pay in redundancy payments to staff who lose their jobs through HM Revenue and Customs efficiency savings cuts in Wales; and if he will make a statement. (133719)

[holding answer 24 April 2007]: HMRC is on track to achieve its 2004 spending review efficiency targets, including net staffing reductions of 12,500 full-time equivalent posts, by April 2008 without recourse to redundancy. HMRC has a no redundancy agreement with the trade unions lasting until at least September 2007. Its aim is to avoid future redundancies if at all possible, principally by continuing to restrict recruitment and to offer approved early retirement schemes.