§ 62. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Health the reason for the suggestion of the new auditor to his Department that the Eton Rural District Council pay their workmen by cheque?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)It appears that, under the system in force in this district for the payment of workmen's wages, the preparation of the wages lists, the certification of the amounts due to each man, and the making of the actual payments, are in the hands of officers of the same branch. Experience has shown that such a course does not afford adequate security against irregularities, and that it is desirable that the duty of making the payments should be severed from that of preparing and certifying the lists. I understand that the auditor's suggestion was made with a view to securing this result.
§ Colonel DAYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that it is very inconvenient for a workman to try and get a cheque cashed?
§ Sir K. WOODI have made inquiries, and I do not understand that any inconvenience of that kind has arisen. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman has any information on that point, I shall be glad to receive it.
§ Colonel DAYDid not one of the local government board auditors, some years ago, in connection with the Post Office, condemn the paying of workmen by cheques?
§ Sir K. WOODI am not aware of that, but, as I have said, if the hon. and gallant Member has any information with respect to this matter, I shall be glad to receive it.
§ Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXWith regard to this question, Mr. Speaker, may I ask your guidance? Is it customary in this House for an hon. Member who has no connection whatsoever with a constituency to put a question with regard to that constituency without previously referring to the sitting Member?
§ Mr. MARDY JONESIs it not often very necessary that other Members should put such questions, because the Members for the constituencies concerned are neglecting their duties?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI do not think there is any rule that I can lay down on the matter.
§ Major COLFOXIs it in order for one Member to say that another Member neglects his duties?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI am afraid that that is a suggestion which I have heard from all quarters of the House.