§ Mr. W. GRAHAMasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many business firms regard as excessive the remuneration allowed to accountants by the Government for checking the unemployment books of the firms; and whether 1206W he can indicate to the House the principle that was adopted in arriving at the rate of remuneration?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThere is, I am assured, no information to the effect stated in the first part of the question, but representations have been received from certain accountants in Scotland that the scale is inadequate. The scale was framed for a period of emergency and for a scheme of an unusual character. It was settled with due regard to the widely varying circumstances in which it had to operate, and so as to afford no more than reasonable remuneration for the services rendered. On the average the fee will be less than one-half per cent, of the expenditure examined. The scale, applies to all parts of the United Kingdom, to businesses large and small, and is inclusive of all out-of-pocket expenses, such as travelling expenses to the firm's office to conduct the audit. The scheme requires that the accounts shall be certified each week, as a basis of further imprests.