§ SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, in accordance with the recommendation contained in Clause 9 of the Report of the Joint Select Committee on Municipal Trading, lie has invited a conference of representatives of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Incorporated Society of Accountants and Auditors, the Institute of Municipal Treasurers and Accountants of England and Wales, the Society of Accountants, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Institute of Accountants, Glasgow, to discuss the question of prescribing a standard form of keeping accounts for all municipal or other local authorities as therein set forth; or whether he has otherwise entered into communication with the various bodies mentioned in the clause; and, if such conference has not been convened or communication taken place as to its being convened, when such conference will be convened, or what other steps will be taken to obtain a standard form of accounts.
§ MR. WALTER LONGI have received communications from some of the bodies mentioned in the Question offering to co-operate in the consideration of this matter. No conference has taken place; but I have been giving attention to the practicability of a standard form of accounts of local authorities being prescribed, and I am disposed to think that the best course will be to appoint a Departmental Committee to inquire into the system upon which the accounts should be kept.