HC Deb 05 July 1949 vol 466 cc1963-4
62. Mr. Touche

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the observations of the Chairman of Surrey Quarter Sessions regarding the lack of supervision at the Dorking Savings Centre in a recent case, where the supervisor pleaded guilty to the conversion of £1,500 and where it was stated that the supervisor, who had no previous experience of bookkeeping was entrusted with the handling of a quarter of a million pounds without any supervision or adequate audit; and if he will make a statement on the subject.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I have received a full report on this case. There was admittedly a failure to secure adequate supervision and checking at the Dorking Savings Centre but this was due to a failure of the local machinery rather than of the general arrangements for the control of these centres. The whole question of selling centres is now being reviewed by the National Savings Committee in conjunction with officers of my Department, and any weaknesses disclosed by this case will be dealt with.

Mr. Touche

Was not the auditor who came from London unqualified, deaf and, as counsel suggested, dumb?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Unfortunately, his advice was not followed. We must remember that much of this work is done by voluntary workers.