§ 63. Mr. HOFFMANasked the Minister of Health the total sum contributed by local authorities to the funds of the Early Closing Association; whether he is aware that this body is an employers' association; if he is prepared to sanction the contribution from the rates of sums to support the propaganda of associations of employés providing such propaganda meets with the approval of the local authorities and his Department?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYAs regards the first part of the question, sanction has been given to 26 contributions of one guinea each. I cannot answer the latter part of the question without knowing what my hon. Friend has in mind.
§ Mr. HOFFMANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this body was engaged in propaganda on behalf of the Daylight Saving Bill? Supposing that the Shop Assistants' Union engaged in propaganda against the Daylight Saving Bill, would they be able to get contributions from the local authorities?
§ Sir K. WOODBefore the right hon. Gentleman replies, may I ask if he will have regard to this matter, and especially to the fact that this is a hypothetical question?
§ Mr. HOFFMANIt is not.
§ Mr. WHEATLEYYes, I will give consideration to any application of a reasonable character that comes before me.