§ MR. BOWRINGasked the Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works, Whether it is true that, on the representation of the Ratepayers of the Metropolis or for other reasons, the Official Auditor has just disallowed a sum of between £3,000 and £4,000 expended by the Board in erecting sheds for the accommodation of the Metropolitan Vestries and their friends on the occasion of the National Thanksgiving last year for the recovery of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales; and, whether the whole or any portion of that sum has already been actually paid by the Board; and, if so, what course they intend to adopt in consequence of such disallowance?
COLONEL HOGGIn answer, Sir, to the Question of the hon. Member, I beg to reply that on the occasion of Her Majesty proceeding in State to St. Paul's to return thanks for the recovery of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, the municipal authorities deemed it their duty to show their respect and loyalty, in accordance with usage in London and all other large towns. The expenses incurred by the Metropolitan Board for the erection of seats amounted to £3,579 17s. 6d., and were for the purpose of enabling the local representatives of the whole of the metropolis to 1286 testify their loyalty by participating in the general rejoicing. The auditor has thought fit to disallow the sum in question, not, however, as far as I know, on the representation of the ratepayers of the metropolis, but of a small number of objectors, who were represented at the audit by about eight ratepayers. I may add that the money has been paid, and that I am not aware what course may be adopted by the Board.