§ 37. Lieut.-Colonel JACKSONasked the Minister of Health whether certain officials have recently been appointed to inspect and supervise the work of district auditors; what is the reason for their appointment; and whether the cost of their services entails or will entail additional Stamp Duty under the Stamp Duty (Local Authorities) Order of 1921?
§ Sir A. MONDThe five inspectors of audit who were appointed a year ago were chosen from the existing audit staff. They continue as auditors, undertake special audits, and, in addition, supervise and co-ordinate the work of the district auditors, bring about greater uniformity of practice, and assist the auditors in the many difficult questions which are now arising. No addition to the Stamp Duty will be necessary, as the salaries of these officers were taken into account when the present scale was fixed. I am satisfied that the results have fully justified these appointments, and that if they had not been made, the increase in the work of audit could not have been met without increasing the existing staff.
§ Mr. HURDIs it not a fact that there is considerable duplication between the national and local audit? Is it not possible to save a considerable sum of money?
§ Sir A. MONDI have been going into that, and I have been trying to do what I can in order to avoid it.