To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff HM Revenue and Customs employs; and how many more posts are planned to be lost to meet the targets set in the Gershon Review. (151955)

As at 1 July 2007 HMRC employed 86,948 full-time equivalent staff and had reduced its workforce by 12,132 posts since 1 April 2004. This leaves a balance of 368 full-time equivalent posts to achieve the Department's efficiency target of a net reduction of 12,500 posts by 31 March 2008.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how HM Revenue and Customs staff are encouraged to respond to consultations arising from the Gershon Review. (151956)

HM Revenue and Customs is undertaking a major restructuring programme to enable it to meet the staffing reduction targets arising from the Gershon Review, and other PSA efficiency and customer service targets.

All staff have been encouraged to take part in consultation exercises both on business and accommodation restructuring proposals.