§ 58. Mr. GRANVILLE GIBSONasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that investigations have recently been made by the contracts committee of the West Riding Hospitals Board into the question of the method of placing contracts for supplies; if he is in possession of the report of the committee; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?
§ 59. Mr. LEACHasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to irregularities in the administration of the West Riding Hospitals Board and to the report of the Government Auditor thereon followed by the findings of a special investigating committee, disclosing improper conduct on the part of two members of the board in relation to the letting of contracts; and what action does he propose to take?
§ Miss LAWRENCEMy right hon. Friend has received a copy of the auditor's interim report and of the report of the investigation committee set up by the West Riding Mental Hospitals Board. The latter report, which has been adopted by the board, substantially endorses the criticisms of the auditor and recommends further investigation with a view to the reorganisation of the system for placing contracts. My Department will be prepared to give any assistance which they can in this direction but, before deciding what action it is necessary or desirable for him to take, my right hon. Friend awaits the final report of the auditor, who has been in close touch with the investigation committee throughout their proceedings.
§ Mr. LEACHIf when the time comes the hon. Lady deems it advisable to go further into this matter, will she take particular notice of those contracts which were placed in circumstances both suspicious and full of corruption?
§ Miss LAWRENCEI think, again, I must say that my right hon. Friend will take every relevant fact into consideration.