§ 76. Mr. ANEURIN WILLIAMSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Local Government Board whether he has received the account of the returning officer for the Consett Division of the county of Durham, which was rendered by him to the Clerk to the County Council of Durham on the 23rd January; whether the account included from £80 to £90 for out-of-pocket payments; whether the whole of the account is still unpaid; and, if so, what is the cause of the delay?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe returning officer's accounts for the county of Durham, including the Consett Division, have been received in an incomplete state, and are being examined. It is hoped that the accounts will be disposed of early next week. There are certain out-of-pocket payments, in respect of which the returning officer may obtain an advance from the Treasury if he will make an application.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHow long have these accounts been in the hands of the Department; and has any communication been made for the further information that is wanted?
§ Mr. BALDWINI could not reply to that without notice. I assume from the answer I have given that communication must have taken place.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs it not evident that there has been very great delay somewhere, seeing that these accounts were sent by the returning officer on 23rd January, and he has had no payment?
§ Mr. BALDWINIt is obvious that there has been delay.