HC Deb 29 July 1949 vol 467 cc193-4W
Mr. Drayson

asked the Minister of Health what sums have been recovered from members of the Rowley Regis Borough Council as a result of the district auditor's examination of that borough's accounts for the three years ended 31st March, 1949.

Mr. Bevan

Although items of expenditure have been surcharged on certain members of the council no recoveries have yet been made. An appeal against the surcharges has been received and is now under consideration.

Mr. Drayson

asked the Minister of Health why he directed that an extraordinary audit of the accounts of the Borough of Rowley Regis for the period 1st April, 1948, to 9th March, 1949, should be carried out by the district auditor.

Mr. Bevan

At the audit of the accounts of this local authority for the year ended 31st March, 1948, objection to certain legal expenses was raised by two members of the council and upon consideration of the circumstances the auditor decided that he would have no alternative but to make a surcharge in respect of them. It was ascertained that further similar expenses had been incurred in the year ended 31st March, 1949, and for the convenience of the local authority and the members concerned it was desirable that the two items of expenditure should be dealt with at the same time. In these circumstances an extraordinary audit relating to the latter of the two items was authorised.