Written question asked by Jonathan Sayeed (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 March 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 March 1998. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 March 1998 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will ensure that the interim District Auditors report into financial irregularities in respect of Bedford Borough Council is released immediately.

Answer: Mr. Sayeed: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that the interim District Auditors report into financial irregularities in respect of Bedford Borough Council is released immediately. [34341] Ms Armstrong: My right hon. Friend has no power to instruct an auditor to make a public interest report or to issue any instructions with regard to the publication of such a report. It is a matter for the auditor to consider whether he should use his powers under section 15(3) of the Local Government Finance Act 1982 to make a report to the body concerned. Where an auditor decides to make an immediate report the body concerned must make the report available for inspection and provide copies on request.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 34341; 308 c546W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Disclosure of information Audit Local government Publications Bedford Borough Council District Audit