§ 32. Sir H. Williamsasked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the statements made on the occasion of the nearing before the National Arbitration Tribunal of the application for reinstatement by the former deputy town clerk of Finsbury, he is prepared to cause an inquiry to be made into the administration of the borough of Finsbury.
§ Mr. WillinkThe statements on both sides made before the tribunal have been brought to my attention but do not, on the face of them, appear to afford ground on which I am empowered to direct an inquiry under the powers which are available to me. I may, however, inform my hon. Friend that an extraordinary audit of the borough council's accounts is now in progress, and statements have been made publicly before the auditor which appear to cover some of the same ground as those to which my hon. Friend refers. When the auditor's decision is given there is a statutory right of appeal either to me or to the High Court and I should wish to await the outcome of any such proceedings and the consideration by the council of the statutory report which the auditor is required to make before coming to a decision on my hon. Friend's suggestion.
§ Sir H. WilliamsHaving regard to the fact that the mayor dismissed the deputy town clerk, because the deputy town clerk refused to requisition a building which was involving the mayor in some financial embarrassment, is there not a prima facie case for an investigation?
§ Mr. WillinkNo, Sir. I think not.