§ Sir R. Taskerasked the Minister of Health, when the investigation and examination in connection with the levy of the liberty rate in the parish of Ring-would will be completed; whether it is now known who makes the rate; how the money collected is expended; and whether the accounts are subject to the audit of the Ministry?
§ Mr. ElliotThis matter has been investigated. The liberty rate is made by the Dover Rural District Council in pursuance of a precept issued to them by the Dover Town Council. The money collected is applied in defraying expenses in the borough and liberties of Dover in connection with the administration of justice and of legislation relating to weights and measures. The accounts of the town council and of the rural district council are subject to audit by the district auditor.
I may add that a refund in respect of expenses defrayed by the county council in the rest of the area in these matters is duly credited in relief of the rates leviable in the liberties.