§ Baroness Hornsby-Smithasked her Majesty's Government:
What are the terms of reference of district auditors, and in how many instances they have applied sanctions over the past five years.
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Bellwin)Since 1st April 1983 the Audit Commission has been responsible for the district audit service. The powers and responsibilities of the district auditor are set out in Part III of the Local Government Finance Act 1982 and the Audit Commission's Code of Audit Practice.
During the period in question district auditors have submitted several hundred audit reports. Of these only two have led to court action. In a further seven cases sums have been certified due for recovery.
If the noble Baroness has a particular case in mind she may find it helpful to contact the Audit Commission direct at 1 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PN.