HC Deb 03 February 1942 vol 377 cc1029-30
17. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any other ranks are entitled to sit on the audit boards assembled to examine the accounts of regimental institutes; and what is the procedure for publishing such accounts.

Captain Margesson

No provision is made in King's Regulations for other ranks to sit as members of audit boards to examine the accounts of regimental institutes. A balance sheet is published in unit orders as soon as possible after the quarterly audit.

Mr. Bellenger

In view of the large sums of money involved and the fact that they come mostly from other ranks, would it not be better perhaps to amend the Regulations and permit other ranks to control the money?

Captain Margesson

Most of the accounts dealt with by the audit boards are actually kept by the officers, and they are responsible.

Mr. Bellenger

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman look into the matter again? Is he aware that the Regulation is not universally adopted of publishing the accounts and that there is considerable questioning as to what happens?