HC Deb 23 July 1935 vol 304 cc1635-6
5. Mr. MAXTON

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland at whose instance the inquiry was held into the alleged excessive expenditure on public assistance by the burgh of Greenock; what were the findings; what was the cost of the inquiry; and by whom this cost falls to be defrayed?

Sir G. COLLINS

Certain payments made by the corporation of Greenock formed the subject of an interim report by the auditor. It was my duty under statute to decide all questions raised by the interim report after such inquiry as I might think fit. With that object the Sheriff of Argyll was appointed by me to conduct a local inquiry into the matter. After careful consideration of the Sheriff's report and after consultation with the Lord Advocate I issued my finding that the payments in question were not illegal. The costs incurred in relation to the inquiry amounted to £360 2s. 6d. and, in terms of statute, fall to be paid by the corporation.

Mr. MAXTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman direct me to the particular Statute which imposes this injustice, that an inquiry ordered by him should be paid for by a council which is completely innocent of the charge of which he suspected them?

Sir G. COLLINS

Section 93 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1889, provides that the expenses incurred in relation to such an inquiry fall to be paid by the corporation. If there have been any other Statutes on the point, I will communicate them to the hon. Member.

Mr. MAXTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether some course is not open by which this corporation can be relieved of this unfair and heavy expenditure?

Sir G. COLLINS

I am afraid that the Statute very clearly lays it down that under the terms of the Statute the sum must be paid by the corporation.

Mr. NEIL MACLEAN

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider it unfair to this corporation that the auditor should insist upon an audit being taken and the Secretary of State should order an inquiry to be conducted, and that after the corporation have been found innocent of the charges they should be asked to pay for the inquiry?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is putting the same question over again.