§ Resolutions [March 21st] reported.
§ MR. SCLATER-BOOTHtook the opportunity of correcting a mis-statement made the other night by the hon. Member for Brighton (Mr. White) respecting the expenditure of money by the Telegraph Department. The hon. Member had on the occasion to which he referred used expressions disparaging to the Audit Office. He thought it necessary, under these circumstances, to state, on the part of the Committee on Public Accounts, that they were not only satisfied, but more than satisfied, with the zeal and ability which had been shown by the Controller and Auditor General and the staff of officers under their command. The passage in the Report of the Public Accounts Committee to which the hon. Member had referred was merely intended to point out that at present there was no sufficient check upon the financial concerns of the Post Office. In making these observations he merely wished to guard against an inference being drawn by the hon. Member for Brighton from a passage in the Report, which it was not intended to bear by the Committee.
§ MR. LIDDELLsaid, that if any blame was to be attached to the Audit Department, he thought it was to be attributable to the Treasury, for the Audit Office was undermanned.
§ Resolutions agreed to.