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to borrow. L.C.C. accounts are audited by the District Auditor.

Mention of the Annual Money Bill, and of the connection with
the Metropolitan Boroughs, draws attention to the work of the
Parliamentary Committee in .preparing each year a General Powers
Bill, which affects both the L.C.C. and the Metropolitan Boroughs.
It serves as a code bf the law relating to London, and provides an
opportunity for annual review, in the light of experience, of the
powers of London authorities. The Parliamentary Committee
has thus at least two Bills to look after each year, and frequently
more are promoted. Thus in 1936, the L.C.C. made an un-
successful attempt to make empty properties liable to some part
of the usual rate instead of being rate-free as at present. The
Committee must also scrutinise any Bills before Parliament
which may affect London.

The Supplies Committee is interested in the spending of the
Council's money. Stationery, furniture, food, fuel, clothing and
equipment required in schools, hospitals, and the like, involve
an expenditure of £4,000,000 a year. The Committee must decide
where these supplies can best be obtained, and exercise continual
supervision over the quality of the goods.

EDUCATION.

The L.C.C. is the authority for both elementary and higher
education., and its total expenditure on this head approaches
£14,000,000 a year. In respect of equipment and staffing of
schools, and facilities for specialised education, London ranks
high among education authorities. Nevertheless, many of its
elementary school buildings, erected in the time of the School
Board for London, are out of date. The Education Committee has
to pursue a regular programme of modernisation and rebuilding.
At the same time, the Council's housing policy creates a need
for schools in new areas, and the growth of public interest in the
health and feeding of children has led to extensions of the school
medical service. It is not easy to provide London schools with
adequate playing fields. Most secondary schools have their fields