§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the cost of the press conference held by Mr. Magill on 11 January; and who meets it.
§ Mr. BaldryI have no information on this point.
§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the cost to date of the investigation into Westminster by Mr. Magill; and who will cover the costs.
§ Mr. BaldryI understand from the Audit Commission that the cost of Mr. Magill's investigation into Westminster up to January 1994 was approximately £1¼ million. This has been paid by Westminster city council.
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§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how often a district auditor has called a press conference to announce provisional findings of an investigation; and what guidance is given in respect of the propriety of holding such conferences.
§ Mr. BaldryI am not aware of any press conferences being given to announce an auditor's provisional findings and views, although I understand that press statements in such circumstances are common practice. This is a matter for the auditor's discretion; it is always open to him or her to take legal advice.
§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the impartiality of Mr. Magill following the press conference on 11 January.
§ Mr. BaldryThis is not a matter for the Government. District auditors are appointed by the Audit Commission and are bound by the commission's code of audit practice, which imposes a duty of impartiality. However, I have no reason to believe that Mr. Magill is not acting impartially in his conduct of the investigation at Westminster city council.