§ Sir R. BLAIRasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the printing and posting by the Poplar Borough Council to every householder, lodger, and ratepayer in the borough of a pamphlet entitled Poplar's Victory, showing the supposed result of the action of the Council in withholding payment of the precepts of central authorities; and whether he will direct the auditor to surcharge the expenditure thus incurred?
§ Sir A. MONDThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is for the District Auditor to decide what action he will take in regard to any expenditure coming under his review at the audit, and I have no power to give him any direction in the matter. Any ratepayer or owner of property in the borough may object at the audit to any charge in the Council's accounts or may appeal to me against the allowance of any item by the District Auditor.
§ Sir R. BLAIRasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Poplar borough council is allowing the telephone at the town hall to be used free of charge by the chairman and secretary of the unemployed organisation; and whether the auditor will surcharge the 839W councillors in respect of the Post Office charges for such use?
§ Sir A. MONDMy attention had not previously been drawn to this matter. As I have explained in reply to another question addressed to me by my hon. Friend to-day, it is for the district auditor to decide what action he will take in regard to any expenditure coming under his review at the audit.