§ Mr. Longdenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what departmental machinery exists in order to obtain information about the methods by which local authorities spend and account for the moneys granted to them; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonInformation about expenditure by local authorities is obtained in a variety of forms for different purposes. Where grants relate directly to expenditure detailed claims are generally required which are certified by the District Auditor. All local authority accounts must by statute be audited. Most of this is done by the district audit service which provides a source of information on local authority methods of accounting.