HC Deb 13 May 1958 vol 588 c207
31. Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs on what grounds he has refused to sanction expenditure by the Scunthorpe Borough Council on small badges to be offered to each mayoress in recognition of her services to the citizens.

Mr. H. Brooke

There is no statutory authority for expenditure of this kind, and sanction was asked under Section 228 of the Local Government Act, 1933. As the office of Mayoress has no status in law, it was thought that sanction ought not to be given. However, I am prepared to reconsider this, and to sanction the expenditure provided that it is nonrecurring, as it will be if the badges are bought in bulk.

Mr. Mallalieu

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that Answer will give considerable satisfaction, because so many of the mayors' ladies have given their devoted services to the citizens of the area, and it would involve only a few shillings of expenditure in each case?

Mr. Brooke

I know that it will give satisfaction, and that was one of the reasons why I decided to reconsider the matter.