§ MR. STANLEY LEIGHTON (Shropshire, Oswestry)asked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether the audit of municipal accounts is conducted by auditors chosen and appointed by the municipalities themselves and the ratepayers; whether any complaints have reached the Local Government Board in reference to the manner in which the audits have been made; and, whether he will consider the expediency 5 of providing for an independent audit through a Board of Auditors unconnected with local interests?
§ THE PEESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)Municipal accounts are audited by auditors appointed by the Mayor and elected by the burgesses. Representations have, no doubt, been made more than once to the Local Government Board on this question; but, while the existing arrangement can hardly be regarded as satisfactory, the Government cannot hold out hopes that they will introduce a measure which shall take away from municipal boroughs the powers they at present exercise in this matter.