§ 134. Major KINDERSLEYasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, at a. meeting held under the auspices of the National Unemployed Workers Committee movement near the Green Man, Leytonstone, on Sunday the 4th instant, a collection was made on behalf of the miners' children fund, that the speaker who made the collection publicly admitted that only 50 per cent. of the money collected went to the said fund, and that 25 per cent. went to pay the miners' speakers and 25 per cent. to the organisation he represented; and whether. in view of the proportion of the sum collected which was retained for organisation purposes, any steps are proposed to be taken in the matter?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last part, the Regulations as to street collections do not apply to collections taken at open air meetings, and I have, therefore, no Power to take any action.
§ Major KINDERSLEYCan the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether the money from Russia is distributed in the same proportion?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThat I cannot say. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will be interested to know that the total collection at the meeting was £1 12s.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the right. hon. Gentleman aware that this has no connection whatever with the official policy of the Miners' Federation, and that. the people are giving their services free?
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. and gallant Member for Hitchin (Major Kindersley) has a mind on all fours with a London County Council sewer?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI could not hear the remark of the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. W. Thorne).
§ Major KINDERSLEYThe hon. Member said that I had a mind on all fours with a London County Council sewer.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat. is a grossly improper remark. [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!"] I call upon he hon. Member to withdraw.
§ Mr. THORNEIs it unparliamentary, Mr. Speaker?
§ Mr. SPEAKERYes.
§ Mr. THORNEThen I am sorry for the Standing Orders. I withdraw