§ 47. Sir WALDRON SMITHERSasked the Minister of Health whether the remarks and recommendations in the letter sent to the clerk of the Monmouthshire County Council by the Ministry of Health in August, 1933, have been acted upon; and whether the defects referred to in the report have been remedied?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)My Department has been in communication with the county council on this subject for some years past. Although the council's arrangements for the administration of public assistance are still open to criticism in certain. respects, I am glad to say that, according to my latest, information, there has been an improvement during the last few months.
§ 48. Sir W. SMITHERSasked the Minister of Health whether, in order to ensure that public works shall be carried out efficiently and without excessive cost, he will insist that all authorities in South Wales and Monmouthshire shall place such works to public tender?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir, but in all cases in which my consent to a loan is required, I insist on public tenders if I am satisfied that this course is desirable in the interest of economy and efficiency.
§ 49. Sir W. SMITHERSasked the Minister of Health whether his recommendation to the Monmouthshire County Council to establish a sound and continuous control over their finances has been adopted; and whether the county council have accepted the Minister's offer of assistance?
§ Sir K. WOODThe county council have had consultations with officers of my Department and have adopted some of the suggestions which have been, made to them. As I have already informed my hon. Friend, I am shortly to receive a deputation from the county council.
§ Sir CHARLES EDWARDSWill the Minister inquire whether the hon. Member's stockbroking business is as sound, and whether it will stand the same publicity as these bodies?