HC Deb 02 July 1936 vol 314 cc604-5
37. Sir W. SMITHERS

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the illegality of the payments made on the recommendation of relief committees in the county of Monmouthshire on 225 occasions when a quorum was not present during the year ended 31st March last, he will draw the attention of the auditor to this matter?

Sir K. WOOD

Without expressing any opinion on the question of legality, I have no doubt that, in view of the publicity given to this matter by my hon. Friend, the point will not escape the auditor's attention.

Sir W. SMITHERS

Is it not the duty of my right hon. Friend, as he is in charge of the local government of this country, to call the attention of the auditor to this matter?

Sir K. WOOD

I must dissent from the view that I am in charge of the local government of this country.

Mr. JAMES GRIFFITHS

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that in view of the extraordinary difficulties in South Wales, this House owes a debt of gratitude to the public authorities there for the way in which they are doing their work?

Sir K. WOOD

That is another matter, but I should be glad if in that area every effort was made to form quorums for the conduct of important business.