§ MR. LAWSON (St. Pancras, W.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to the constant charges in the public Press of the wilful misappropriation of the funds of St. John's Hospital for Diseases of the Skin; whether he is aware that no legal action has been taken against any of the members and late members of the Board of Management making such charges; and, whether, at the present time, an appeal for funds is being made, and their receipt publicly acknowledged, on behalf of the Hospital; if so, whether he will instruct the Public Prosecutor to take action in the matter, with a view to protect the public from possible fraud?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)I have received a letter from the authorities of the Hospital, who inform me that an action for libel is now pending, at their instance, against a weekly journal with reference to the charges in question. It is true that subscriptions are now being received and publicly acknowledged. On the 18th of January the subscribers, at a special general meeting, passed, by an overwhelming majority, a vote of confidence in the Board of Management. I can discover no reason which would justify interference on my part.