HC Deb 02 March 1910 vol 14 cc836-7
Mr. BOTTOMLEY

asked the President of the Local Government. Board whether his attention had been called to the fact that the Parks Committee of the Cardiff Corporation had been in the habit of selling its hay to a local corn merchant at £3 2s. 6d. per ton, whilst the Health Committee of the same corporation had been purchasing its hay from the same corn merchant at £4 2s. 6d. per ton; and whether he would instruct the district auditor of the board to make inquiries into the matter?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Burns)

Except as regards education, the accounts of the Town Council are not subject to the audit of the district auditor. I have, however, made some inquiries on the subject, and I understand from the town council that it is true that the Health Committee purchased hay from a contractor at £4 2s. 6d. per ton on the 23rd November last, and that on the 1st February the Parks Committee sold hay to the same firm. The hay sold was disposed of in bulk and not by weight, and not cut in any way; the contractors were required to cut, truss, and haul the hay at their own expense, which is estimated at £1 per ton; this hay, moreover, is described as of poor quality, being gathered from the cemetery and fields adjoining. It is stated that the hay purchased was, on the other hand, of first class quality, clean cut, according to sample and specification, and was delivered by the contractors free of all charges.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the information which he has given is diametrically opposed to every explanation given by the Mayor of Cardiff.

Mr. BURNS

I have taken great pains to ascertain the facts with regard to this matter, and I believe them to be as stated. I know there is considerable difference between the Cardiff City Council and my hon. Friend, and I have difficulty in reconciling the two statements. I am, how- ever, consoled by the motto of the hon. Gentleman's own paper: The world is a bundle of hay, Mankind are the asses who pull, Each tugs in a different way, And the greatest of all is John Bull.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman in fairness quote the rest of the motto?

Mr. BURNS

I think it is appropriate that Burns should be satisfied with Byron.