HC Deb 19 May 1936 vol 312 cc1006-8
66. Sir W. SMITHERS

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to deal with the present situation in South Wales and Monmouthshire, where conditions render a breakdown of local government almost inevitable?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)

My right hon. Friend cannot accept my hon. Friend's suggestion that a breakdown of local govern- ment in South Wales is almost inevitable, and it would be premature to take steps to deal with a situation which has not arisen.

Sir W. SMITHERS

In view of the fact that the Ministers information appears to be incomplete, will he kindly institute a public inquiry into the whole situation?

Mr. GEORGE HALL

Has the Parliamentary Secretary any information other than that local authorities in South Wales are carrying out their duties with very great courage, considering the great difficulties with which they are faced?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

I think it is true to say that the situation has materially improved during the last three or four years.

Mr. HALL

May I ask the hon. Member to reply to my question—whether he has information other than that local authorities in South Wales are carrying out their duties satisfactorily and with great courage considering the difficulties with which they are faced?

Sir CHARLES EDWARDS

May I ask what steps the Parliamentary Secretary proposes to take to deal with nosey Parkers who will not mind their own business?

Sir W. SMITHERS

On a point of Order. Is the hon. Member entitled to call me a nosey Parker?

Mr. SPEAKER

I think we had better get on to the next question.

67. Sir W. SMITHERS

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied with the manner in which members of the public assistance committees in Monmouthshire are carrying out their duties; and can he state on how many occasions the relief committees have transacted business although a quorum was not present?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

My right hon. Friend is informed that 541 meetings of relief committees were held in the county during the year ending 31st March last and that at 225 of these a quorum of members was not present. My right hon. Friend does not think that this can be regarded as a satisfactory state of affairs.

68. Sir W. SMITHERS

asked the Minister of Health on how many occasions in the last three years have surcharges been made on local authorities of South Wales and Monmouthshire in respect of irregularities in their accounts?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

Forty-one surcharges have been made under Section 228 of the Local Government Act, 1933, during the last three years in the accounts of the local authorities referred to.

Sir W. SMITHERS

In view of the fact that it has been found necessary to hold an inquiry about the Budget, does the hon. Gentleman not think it equally necessary to hold a public inquiry into the administration of local government in South Wales?

Mr. G. HALL

How many of the surcharges were remitted by the Minister after appeal made to him?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

I should require notice of that question.