HC Deb 16 June 1915 vol 72 c667
33. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any control over, or means of investigating, such institutions as the British Federation for the Emancipation of Sweated Women, which accounts for its use of £3,768 18s. 11d. by an expenditure of £1,100 in obtaining the money, of £1,100 in salaries of officials, £1,100 in running a home for domestic servants and giving a Christmas dinner; whether he can ascertain how the money was obtained and the number of sweated women emancipated by this institution; and, if it lives on the credulity of the poor, what action he proposes to take?

Sir J. SIMON

I am aware that a collector of this institution was prosecuted last August for obstruction, and fined, and the magistrate commented severely on the methods of the institution, whose balance-sheet showed that more than half its receipts were expended on administrative expenses and advertising. The matter is being watched by the police, but I am advised that nothing is known which would justify further criminal proceedings.