§ MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received any reply to his inquiries with regard to the growth of expenditure under the Islington Board of Guardians, and whether he has yet decided to appoint a local inquiry, or what steps he proposes to take in the matter.
(Answer.) I have given careful consideration to the matter referred to, but I do not see that the local inquiry which has been suggested would serve any useful purpose. I am aware that the expenditure of the Islington Guardians has increased, but for the last year for which I have returns it represents a rate in the pound which is about the same as the average for the whole of London. I have no authority to impose any limit on the expenditure of the guardians. If it is considered that any of their expenditure has been illegally incurred, it will be open to any ratepayer to attend at the audit and object to its being allowed by the auditor.—(Local Government Board.)