§ 74. Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, during the recent May Day celebrations in Hyde Park, vehicles the property of the ratepayers in certain Metropolitan boroughs were used for the conveyance of political propagandists and adherents to and from the park; whether any charge was made to the political organisations using these vehicles; and whether the auditors have received any instructions as to the course of action they are to take in dealing with such hirings?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI have no information as regards the first two points, and no instructions have been issued, but if any expenditure for the purpose is charged in the accounts of a Metropolitan borough council, it will be open to the district auditor at the audit to review it.
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESIf the right hon. Gentleman consults the files of the illustrated papers, he will see the vehicles I have described in the question. Supposing no charge is made, will he find out why no charge is made?
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that for many years past local authorities and private firms have been in the habit of sending their vehicles and the horses to May Day shows in London?
§ Mr. LANSBURYTo show them!
Sir F. HALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very large number of 435 vehicles bearing the name of the Borough of Poplar, carrying advertisements of the "Daily Herald," and containing children with flags waving on behalf of Labour, were present, and will he inquire whether the wages of the men in charge of these wagons were charged to the ratepayers of Poplar?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYAny information that I have on the subject goes to indicate that this is not the first occasion on which this has taken place, and while, as I have said, I have no information as to the latter part of the question, I will be guided in the matter by my auditor.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWill the vehicles be available for mass meetings of the Primrose League?