§ 46. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchisonasked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a Royal Commission to examine and report upon the present methods of State accounting.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Colonel HutchisonIn view of the fact that by common consent the system is archaic, with which even perhaps the London School of Economics would agree, and leads to many errors, does it mean that this necessary reform is being, held up on behalf of intensive nationalisation, and will the right hon. Gentlemanconsider—
§ Mr. SpeakerInferences and imputations in a supplementary question are really not in Order.
§ Mr. Walter FletcherWill the Prime Minister see that the principles and methods laid down in the Cohen Commission for private accountancy shall also 1336 be applied in the case of public accountancy?
§ The Prime MinisterObviously this is a matter which wants looking into. Things are not exactly on all fours. I confess I am not clear what was in the mind of the hon. and gallant Gentleman who asked this Question. If he would like to elaborate it to me I should be pleased to go into it.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeWould the right hon. Gentleman ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to set up a Departmental Committee on this subject?
§ The Prime MinisterPerhaps the hon. Member will address that question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Major BruceIs not the standard of public accountancy a great deal higher than it is in a number of private concerns?