74. Dr. MORGANasked the Minister of Health how many auditors are engaged on the work of inspecting and auditing the books and financial statements of the borough councils of London; whether he is aware that many of the auditors' reports on Metropolitan borough councils are unduly delayed; whether an examination once started is completed or whether the work is done piecemeal; and whether the visits for such audits are paid in regular rotation or on a particular basis of periodicity?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThere is one district auditor, six assistant district auditors and a staff of clerks engaged on the work of audit in London. This includes the London County Council, the Metropolitan Water Board, the Metropolitan Asylums Board and the boards of guardians as well as the borough councils. 648 I am not aware of any complaint as to undue delay in completing these audits. My hon. Friend will appreciate that they cannot all be taken at once, and that adjournments may from time to time be necessary pending the settlement of a question that may have arisen. These audits are not taken in any definite order of rotation, and I desire to assure my hon. Friend that everything possible is done to meet the wishes of the authorities concerned, and to secure as early a completion of audit as is practicable.