§ MR. AINSWORTH (Argyllshire)I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland for what reason and under what circumstances he has superseded the present burgh auditor of Dunoon, who has performed the duties of the post with complete satisfaction for many years; and what advantage to the public, in either efficiency or economy, will result from the change.
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Mr. SINCLAIR,) ForfarshireIn appointing burgh auditors for 1905–6, the Burgh of Dunoon has, in furtherance of the policy of grouping, already applied with much advantage in the case of counties, been grouped with several other burghs, subject to similar conditions as to accounts and audit under one auditor and in the interest of public efficiency. In accordance with this same principle, the former auditor acts as auditor for an important group of counties. Burgh auditorships are held on a yearly tenure, 419 and auditors are annually reminded of this in the formal intimations of appointment made to them.
§ MR. AINSWORTHIn view of the general dissatisfaction caused, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of reverting to the old system?
§ MR. SINCLAIRreplied that he had no evidence of dissatisfaction such as would justify him in doing so.