§ MR. R. SOUTTAR (Dumfriesshire)I beg to ask the Lord Advocate (1) whether his attention has been called to the continued and widespread dissatisfaction existing in Scotland in connection with the method of auditing Parish Council accounts; and (2) whether he can hold out any hope that the system will be changed?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATEThe answer to the first paragraph of the hon. Member's Question is in the affirmative. The representations made are being carefully considered. A number of appeals against the charges made by the auditors have been received and are being dealt with. Until this procedure has been completed it is impossible to decide what change, if any, should be made. I may add that, 950 as the hon. Member is aware, no important change in the system can be effected without legislation.