asked the Minister of Health whether he can state whether the district auditor who is now examining the accounts of the Poplar Board of Guardians is proceeding under the Mond Order; and when the audit will be complete?

The question of what disallowances or surcharges may or may not be necessary is a matter for decision by the district auditor on his own responsibility. In the performance of his statutory functions he is not subject to any directions from me. As regards the latter part of the question, I understand that the audits of the accounts up to September, 1922, will probably be closed before Easter of this year.

Is the right hon. Gentleman urging the auditor to complete his work? Does he not remember his criticism of his predecessor for not bringing pressure to bear on the auditor?

I take it that sufficient publicity has been given to my criticism to inform the auditor that he is expected to complete his audit.