HC Deb 13 July 1876 vol 230 c1397
GENERAL SIR GEORGE BALFOUR

asked the President of the Local Government Board, To explain the cause of the omission from the returns of local taxation of the accounts of Queenborough, and, now that the Queenborough Harbour Bill has passed, whether arrear accounts will be called for; and, whether steps will be taken to enforce the rendering of the accounts in the future, and to subject the transactions relating to the rates, taxes, and expenses of Queenborough, including the additions under the new Harbour Bill, to a proper audit?

MR. SCLATER-BOOTH

Queenborough is one of the old chartered corporations which did not come under the Municipal Reform Act. It was not required to keep annual accounts of local taxation. Under the Harbour Bill powers are given to levy certain dues and tolls, of which it will be necessary to render an annual account, as well as of the building fund. The Local Government Board has no power to call for statements of arrear accounts.