§ Mr. DEVLINasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Larne Urban District 2140W Council of 22nd March last, by which the contract for street cleaning was given to a new contractor at the rate of 30s. a week for one man and horse, although the old contractor did the work for 27s. a week per man and horse; whether he is aware that, as two and sometimes three men and horses are engaged on the work, the new contract is tantamount to an additional cost to the ratepayers of about £20 a year; whether the excess will be surcharged on those councillors who voted for the new contract; and whether, in view of the feeling aroused locally over this matter, an official inquiry will be ordered into it?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe facts appear to be as stated in the first portion of the question, but the Local Government Board are unable to state what will be the probable additional cost to the ratepayers per annum. The action of the council with regard to these tenders will be reviewed in due course by the auditor at the audit of the accounts containing the payments made on the foot of this contract. It will be open to any ratepayer to attend at such audit and to lodge formal objection to the items concerned. It will then be a matter for the determination of the Auditor whether he will surcharge this alleged excess, and, if the payment be deemed illegal or excessive, upon what members of the Council such surcharge should fall. Pending such investigation by the Auditor, there appears to be no sufficient reason why the Board should institute an official inquiry into the case.