§ 44. Mr. ROWLANDSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any action has been taken, or will be taken, to inquire into the genuineness of associations for which street collections have been made for reputed charitable objects; and, if any are found to be bogus associations, will action be taken against the responsible persons?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)Collections in the street may be made if certain requirements laid down in the Regulations made under the Metropolitan Streets Act, 1903, are complied with. These Regulations do not provide for any inquiry into the object or bona fides of the collection, and it would be impossible for the police to discriminate between one charity and another. If evidence of fraud on the part of promoters of such collections comes into the possession of the police, they would, of course, take action.
§ Sir WILLIAM BYLESWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the prohibition of these collections altogether?
§ Mr. McKENNAPerhaps my hon. Friend may raise some such proposal.