§ MR. M. BROOKSasked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, If he is aware that it has been publicly reported in Dublin, and has been mentioned in the Town Council and in the local newspapers, that there are serious discrepancies in the accounts and considerable deficiencies in the moneys of the Port and Docks Board; and, whether he knows of any audit of the accounts of the Port and Docks Board, and, if of any, whether he will be prepared to recommend an inquiry into these alleged deficiencies, and as to the desirability of the appointment of a public auditor?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. GIBSON)Sir, I am aware that it has been mentioned in the Dublin Corporation, and reported in the newspapers, that there are discrepancies and deficiencies in the moneys of the Port and Docks Board; and I believe that the foundation for that statement is to be found in the printed Report, where it says—
In the course of the year the Board was called upon to pay £2,718 on account of grain delivered in error upon orders issued by the original owner, after he had transferred the grain to another merchant.With regard to audit, under Sections 238 and 239 of the present Act regulating the Board, the accounts of the Board must be annually printed, and a copy furnished to anyone who applies on payment of a reasonable sum; and the Board are also bound to appoint each year two auditors to examine and inspect their accounts. In a Bill now before Parliament there is a section providing for the election of auditors by the same persons who elect representatives of traders and manufacturers. I do not think it necessary that I should try to interfere in the matter.