Oral Answers to Questions

Kate Green Excerpts

Tuesday 8th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his question. We would disagree with the number, as the tax gap estimate produced by HMRC is £40 billion. None the less, that is a significant sum, and it is absolutely right that people pay the tax that is due, and HMRC will continue to pursue matters to reduce tax avoidance.

[Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab)]

Is not the general view correct, and the estimated tax gap of £40 billion a significant underestimate? Will the Minister explain how cuts to HMRC staffing and capacity are to be aligned with attempts to close the tax gap?

[Mr Gauke]

Staff in HMRC have been reduced for many years, from 97,000 to 69,000. Any Government will want to ensure that HMRC’s resources are deployed as effectively and efficiently as possible, and we will certainly seek to do so.