§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Minister of Health how many cases of surcharge made against members of boards of guardians or other local authorities, including county councils, during the past five years have been remitted by him or his predecessors in office; and will he also inform the House in how many cases of surcharge during the same period the persons surcharged have been called upon to pay and have obeyed the order, and the total amount which has been recovered for the benefit of the ratepayers?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYComplete figures are not at the moment available. Perhaps the hon. Member will put his question down again this day week.
§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the London County Council was recently surcharged by the auditor for paying the expenses of school children to attend performances of Shakespeare plays, and on appeal to the Courts by the Council such surcharge was upheld; and will he inform the House whether the persons surcharged, being members of the London County Council, have themselves paid the costs of the auditor and paid into the county funds the amount of such surcharge?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI am aware of the facts of this case, and I understand that my predecessor remitted the surcharge and so relieved the persons surcharged of their personal liability in the matter.