HC Deb 12 December 1949 vol 470 cc2335-6
5. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Supply when he expects to furnish the Trading Account, 1948–49, for raw materials to the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

Before the end of this month.

Sir W. Smithers

Is the Minister aware that he has contravened the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act, 1921, by not presenting his accounts before 30th November? Is he also aware that Socialist administration must and does break down, and that this is creating chaos in the country?

Mr. Strauss

I cannot agree with the hon. Member. These accounts have been slightly delayed because we were waiting for the report to be sent in by a number of professional accountants. The draft accounts were submitted to the Treasury before the end of November, and the final and completed accounts will be submitted before the end of this month.