To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any debt collection work contracted out by HM Revenue and Customs is undertaken by unregistered bailiffs. (279241)

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs. Spelman) on 27 February 2009, Official Report, column 1181W.

HM Revenue and Customs is currently carrying out a small scale six-month trial to test the use of private debt collection agencies (DCAs). The trial does not involve face to face contact or visits to home or business premises. The DCAs being used by HMRC as part of this trial are not bailiffs.