HC Deb 05 December 1934 vol 295 cc1581-2
40. Sir WALDRON SMITHERS

asked the Minister of Health whether the recommendation of the district auditor in his report to the Wembley Urban District Council, 18th September, 1934, that under Article 4 of the Rate Accounts Order, 1926, a list of irrecoverable rates should be submitted, has been acted upon; what is the amount involved; and for what reasons were the rates irrecoverable?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)

My right hon. Friend understands that the recommendation of the district auditor referred to has been acted upon. The total amount of irrecoverable rates involved was £4,647, made up of £3,237 in respect of allowances for empty buildings and £905 in respect of reductions in assessments. The balance—£505—was irrecoverable owing to failure to trace defaulting ratepayers or for other reasons.

41. Sir W. SMITHERS

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the reports of the district auditor on the late Kingsbury Urban District Council, dated 15th May and 18th September, 1934, and submitted to the finance committee on 26th September, 1934; what is the amount of the defalcations of the late collector; whether legal proceedings have been taken; and, if not, will he state the reasons?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

The amount of the defalcations was £236 12s. 10d. The Wembley Urban District Council, as successors to the Kingsbury Urban District Council, decided that in view of the past record of the officer in question and of other circumstances they would be justified in not instituting criminal proceedings. My right hon. Friend subsequently brought the case to the attention of the Director of Public Prosecutions, who after careful consideration of the facts saw no reason to dissent from the view which the council had taken.

Sir W. SMITHERS

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the Minister of Health, when introducing new legislation, to make it imperative for local authorities to take proceedings against dishonest public servants, with severe penalties?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

I think the matter is best left to the discretion of the authorities.

Mr. LAWSON

Is not this a case in which the Ministry should consider putting in commissioners?

Sir W. SMITHERS

Hear, hear!