asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been called to the comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the keeping of hospital accounts in Scotland; and if he will make a statement on this matter.

I must not prejudge the findings of the Public Accounts Committee who will review this report in the ordinary course. But I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that all steps consistent with reasonable economy in staff numbers are taken to remedy faults of this kind.