§ 43. Captain WRIGHTasked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the resolution of protest passed on 30th June last by a large meeting of the citizens of Derby, held in the market place, against the action of the Derby local authority in failing to assent to the application of the Derby branch of the National Federation of Discharged and Disabled Sailors and Soldiers to make collections at their open-air meetings in support of the objects of the federation, while allowing pacifists, and others not assisting in the defence of their country, to make collections at their frequent meetings for their purposes; and whether he has any, and what, power to direct the local authority to give equality of treatment in the matter of making collections as between our sailors and soldiers and the pacifists?
§ Sir G. CAVEMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I am informed that an application was made by the National Federation of Discharged and Disabled Sailors and Soldiers for a permit to hold eight street collections, covering a period of three and a half weeks; but the Watch Committee, having regard to the large number of applications for permits which have been made by various bodies, did not see their way to accede to it. A permit for a street collection had been granted by the Watch Committee to this federation as recently as March last. I have no power to control the Watch Committee in the exercise of their powers with regard to the grant of permits.
§ Captain WRIGHTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that meetings of the character mentioned in the question other than those of the National Federation of Discharged and Disabled Sailors and Soldiers are held weekly, almost daily, and that collections are made?
§ Sir G. CAVENo, Sir; I am not aware of it.