42. Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Local Government and Planning for what reasons 19 members and two officials of the Hetton Urban District Council have been asked to refund sums claimed in respect of expenses for attendance at conferences, after criticism by the district auditor; and what was the total sum involved.
§ Mr. DaltonBecause the district auditor held that more had been claimed than 1284 was reasonably necessary. The sum involved was £36 6s. 10d. which has been repaid.
Mr. VaneCan the Minister say under what particular headings these sums were reclaimed? Was it in respect of wrong claims for loss of earnings or for subsistence at too high a rate? What was the particular form of the claim?
§ Mr. DaltonThere were a number of points raised and the total sum, as the hon. Gentleman will see, amounted to £36 among 21 persons, which is not very much per head.
Mr. VaneCan the Minister not give a better reply than simply to say there were a number of points raised? Since this was some form of dishonesty can he say exactly what it was?
§ Mr. DaltonThe hon. Gentleman has no right to assume that there was any form of dishonesty.
§ Mr. JenningsDoes the Minister not agree that the whole matter needs reviewing? It is creating a bad atmosphere in the country.
§ Mr. DaltonThe bad atmosphere is not created by me.
Mr. VaneIn view of the right hon. Gentleman's highly unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter again on the Adjournment.