§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that some returning officers have not yet received payment for services rendered at the last General Election; and whether he will hasten the settlement of these accounts?
Mr. GUINNESSClaims received from returning officers for expenses incurred by them in connection with Parliamentary Elections are examined by the Treasury, as expeditiously as possible, in the order in which they are received. Very substantial advances are made by the Treasury, before and also (if necessary) shortly after the date of the Election to enable them to meet any disbursements they may have to incur. The final payment, including the returning officers' own fees, is made as soon as the claim is finally settled and passed. As regards England and Wales claims representing 153 out of the 195 Parliamentary areas have already been passed, and the examination of claims representing a further 36 Parliamentary areas is nearly completed, a position which shows considerable improvement over experience at a corresponding date, in respect of previous General Elections.