§ 33. Sir WALDRON SMITHERSasked the Minister of Health how much money has been written off and lost to the rate payers of Battersea by the failure of the borough solicitor to collect electric supply arrears?
Sir H. YOUNGThe average amount written off under this heading as irrecoverable during the years when the solicitor held office was less than .2 per cent. of the revenue from private consumers. It is not possible to estimate what proportion of this loss was due to the failure of the solicitor to take steps to enforce payment.
§ Commander MARSDENIs it not a fact that nearly the whole of the debts that have been written off were owed by poor people who have not been pursued because they have no means? Further, is it not a fact that by excellent and efficient management the present Borough Council of Battersea have reduced the charges for electricity by £35,000 a year?
§ Sir W. SMITHERSIn order that full particulars may be known, will the right hon. Gentleman place a copy of the auditor's report in the Library?
Sir H. YOUNGPerhaps my hon. Friend will give me notice of that question, as the contents of the report may include other matters than those concerned in the question.