HC Deb 03 February 1887 vol 310 cc555-6
SIR JOHN SWINBURNE (Staffordshire, Lichfield)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether any, and what, steps have been taken to give effect to the Resolution passed on the 18th of May, 1886— That, in the opinion of this House, every Scheme of the Charity Commissioners ought to provide for the majority of the Trustees or Managers, being directly elected by the ratepayers in the locality to which the Charity extends.

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

The Charity Commissioners have done, and are doing, much in recognition of the principle of representation in their appointments of Trustees of Charities, where it is practicable to do so. But I must remind the hon. Baronet that, in order to give effect to a Resolution of the kind he refers to, legislation is necessary; and it rests with him, if he thinks such legislation is necessary, to take the proper steps.