39. Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Health whether, in connection with the Report by the Ministry's Auditor that the Shoreditch Metropolitan Borough Council have, as regards the payment of wages in 1925–6, exceeded by about £17,000 the amounts which would have been paid if the council had continued to follow the proper awards, the Government is prepared to take any action to protect the interests of the ratepayers; and, if so, can he say what lines such action will follow?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have received a copy of the District Auditor's report. It appears that the Auditor has made no disallowance or surcharge in the matter on this occasion, but has confined himself to warning the Council of their position for the future. In these circumstances, no question of action on my part arises in this case.