§ 35. Sir WALDRON SMITHERSasked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied with the manner in which the Monmouthshire County Council is conducting its affairs; and, if not, will he, in view of representations made to him, consider the advisability of taking powers to nominate persons to supersede the county council and to administer local affairs in their stead?
§ Sir K. WOODI am aware that the county council is meeting certain financial and other difficulties which I am arranging to discuss with them in the near future. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.
§ Sir W. SMITHERSCan the Minister take steps to investigate the finances of this matter?
§ Sir K. WOODI understand that the hon. Gentleman has a question down on that point.
§ 43. Sir W. SMITHERSasked the Minister of Health whether he will institute an inquiry to investigate the administration of the Glamorgan county, with special reference to the redundancy of staff, with a view to ascertaining to what extent the expenditure of public money can be saved without affecting the efficiency of the services?
§ Sir K. WOODI am not at present aware of any ground for such an investigation of the staffing arrangements of the council as is suggested.
§ Sir W. SMITHERSWould my right hon. Friend make inquiries?
§ Sir K. WOODI have the reports of my district auditors.
§ 44. Sir W. SMITHERSasked the Minister of Health what is the amount to which the urban and rural councils, who are responsible for collecting the precept of the Glamorgan County Council and the Monmouthshire County Council, are in arrears?
§ Sir K. WOODIn the five years ended 31st March, 1935, the latest date for which figures are in my possession, arrears owing to the Monmouthshire County Council of precepts imposed on district councils were reduced from £174,173 to£35,291. I regret that comparable figures for Glamorgan are not available.
§ Sir W. SMITHERSDoes not the inability to collect the precepts show the urgent necessity for continuing the utmost care and vigilance in the expenditure of every penny, and is the Minister satisfied that such care and vigilance are being exercised?
§ Sir K. WOODI think that the answer to the question shows that some successful efforts are being made in this direction.