HC Deb 01 November 1966 vol 735 c47W
64. Mr. Hornby

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will issue a circular to all county boroughs and boroughs in England and Wales with direct labour building departments, recommending them to pass a resolution under the terms of Section 239(1)(a) of the Local Government Act, 1933, so that their accounts, including the accounts of the direct labour department, may be subject to the scrutiny of a district auditor.

Mr. Greenwood

No.

66. Mr. Atkins

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what proposals he has for altering the present system by which professional auditors, appointed by resolution under Section 239(1)(b) of the Local Government Act, 1933, have no powers of disallowance and surcharge, in view of the inadequacy of the arrangements for the audit of direct labour departments of municipal boroughs under the existing provisions.

Mr. Greenwood

None. But as the hon. Member may know, the Society of District Auditors is already inquiring into the audit problems of direct labour departments.