Using the Data Protection act I got hold of my notes from HMRC.

I had been repeatedly told that ESC A19 didn’t apply in my case because - although my returns were obviously incorrect - it was not up to HMRC to check them. A “discovery” was made in December 2007.

The notes - and one page in particular - suggests that HMRC knew that my returns had been incorrect for some time, going back to October 2000.

In October 2004 Peter Canning wrote, “A/N has incorrectly deducted his drawings as an expense & Means have always been a risk on this case. As this is a segment 1 case, Do you agree that SIP should be prepared for 2004 & passed through as part of next year's target. In view of comments in tip's letter dated 29/09/04, Do you agree that I should delete No Rept signal & refund tax overpaid as claimed - ie process now / check later.”

So what he’s suggesting - amazingly - is that a tax rebate, that he knew was incorrect should be processed. His colleague agreed and the repayment was sent!

I phoned Peter Canning at Brighton and asked him why, if HMRC was aware that my returns had been incorrect going back to 2000, was there not an invitation for an interview to put me on track? And Why On Earth did he send a rebate when - clearly - one was not due?

He refused to answer my questions and then - after 20 minutes - hung up the phone. This is the entire unedited interview.

Peter Canning can be reached on

01273 225287 for verification.