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INLAND REVENUE REVIEW LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR TO PROTECT MINISTERS
12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 3rd Jul 2003
The Inland Revenue Review is a classic diversionary tactic designed to deflect criticism from ministers for the agencies bungling, according to Norman Lamb MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Treasury Minister speaking on Radio 4's Today Programme.
Later Mr. Lamb said:
"My concern is that this is a classic diversionary tactic. It is extraordinary that no minister has lost their job over the crisis in the Inland Revenue.
"Sir Nicholas Montagu is acting as a useful lightning conductor to deflect criticism away from ministers. But it was the Government that decided to sell off Revenue property that led to the tax havens scandal. And it was the Government own plan to introduce tax credits in such a flawed way.
"Dawn Primarolo all but apologised to the Treasury Select Committee. After Jack Straw's apology to the Foreign Affairs Committee, it would seem that red faces are de rigueur in the Labour Cabinet."
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