HC Deb 08 May 1907 vol 174 cc222-3
MR. DICKINSON (St. Pancras, N.)

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board what is the reason why the Local Taxation Returns of the expenditure of the local authorities in London for the year 1904–5 are not yet published; whether the delay in publication is greater than it has been in former years; and whether he can make arrangements whereby the audited accounts of these authorities may be in the possession of the public within twelve months after the close of their financial year.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. JOHN BURNS,) Battersea

There has been some delay, due to various causes, in the issue of certain parts of the Local Taxation Returns for the year 1904–5. The part which includes abstracts of the accounts of the several metropolitan authorities is, however, in an advanced state of preparation, and will shortly be issued. I am afraid that it is not practicable to issue these Returns within twelve months after the end of the financial year to which they relate.