51. Captain MACDONALDasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the action of certain boroughs in paying salaries to municipal officials on a scale which brings them above the current rates paid to such officials; and what action he is taking in all such cases by way of surcharge of the councillors concerned?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)My right hon. Friend's attention has been drawn to this question in the case of certain metropolitan borough councils. In a number of instances the district auditor, who alone has the power to surcharge referred to by the hon. Member, has made disallowances and surcharges in respect of payment of wages.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSMay I ask whether any of these surcharges are ever enforced?
§ Sir K. WOODMy hon. Friend must give me notice of that question.