§ Mr. HAYDN JONESasked the hon. Member for the Stroud Division, as representing the Charity Commissioners, what steps are taken to require the trustees of charities to render periodical statements of the income and expenditure of such charities; whether the statements of account of charities received by the Charity Commissioners are audited; and, if so, by whom?
§ Mr. CHARLES P. ALLENTrustees of charities are required by Statute to render yearly accounts to the Commissioners. In cases of neglect it is the practice of the Commissioners to remind trustees of their duty and, if necessary, to issue peremptory orders for compliance with the law. The Charitable Trusts Acts do not prescribe any general audit of the accounts rendered to the Commissioners or give them power to surcharge; nor is the staff of the Office adequate for so large an undertaking. When the Commissioners' attention is called to any cases of doubtful payments special inquiries are made.