§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the prima facie evidence sent to him by the hon. Member for Newham, North-West concerning alleged corruption and irregularities in the London Borough of Newham affecting a number of borough councillors and their officers, he will seek powers to enable him to carry out an independent public inquiry into such cases.
§ Mr. KingIf there is any substance to the allegations of corruption of which the hon. Member has informed me, it should be brought to the attention of the police. Complaints of injustice caused by maladministration by local authorities can be investigated by the Commissioner for Local Administration. Regularity of expenditure is a matter for the district auditor. Allegations which have no substance would be a matter for civil action. I do not consider that powers of the kind indicated in the question are necessary in addition.