§ 21. Sir WALDRON SMITHERSasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to irregularities in the working of the Battersea Borough Council; what action has he taken and/or does he propose to take; and what is the present position?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREMy right hon. Friend has been in communication with the Battersea Borough Council with regard to certain irregularities in the solicitor's department. Two officers of the council were involved, both of whom have resigned. The council have informed my right hon. Friend that they do not propose to institute criminal proceedings against these officers, and, while fully appreciating the seriousness of the irregularities in question, he has, after very full consideration of the circumstances, decided that no further action should be taken.
§ Sir W. SMITHERSIn the interest of clean municipal administration, will the 1066 hon. Gentleman ask the Minister of Health to use every power he has to bring to justice those officials or members of the council who have betrayed their trust?
§ Commander MARSDENIs it not the case that not one penny has been lost to the ratepayers; and is it not also the case that the Battersea Council is one of the best borough councils in London and is fully competent to run Battersea and look after Battersea's private affairs?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREAs far as my experience goes, that is a true picture.
§ Sir W. SMITHERSWill the Minister of Health institute a full inquiry into this matter?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREI assure my hon. Friend that we have given very full consideration to this matter with the result that we have decided that no further action should be taken.