HC Deb 26 May 1927 vol 206 cc2151-2
12. Mr. DALTON

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Comptroller of the London County Council reported to his council, on the 18th March, 1927, that the total income of St. Dunstan's for the year ending 31st March, 1926, was £258,053; that the amount of excess of income over expenditure was £30,222; that the amount of the surplus of assets over liabilities was £1,022,091; that the daily average training complement for 1924–25 and 1925–26 was 60.9 and 86.7, respectively; that the cost per head during these periods was £820 and £688, respectively; and that the daily average training complement in the year commencing 1st October, 1927, is estimated to be only 14; and if he will explain why, in spite of this information, which was passed on to the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis, permission was accorded to hold a flag day in order to provide them with further income?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

My attention has not hitherto been called to the particulars set out in the question, and I have no jurisdiction in regard to the administration of this charity. With reference to the last part of the question, the Commissioner informs me that, as he did not receive the information from the London County Council until a, few weeks before the day fixed for the collection for which all arrangements had been made by the charity, he did not in the circumstances feel justified in withholding his permit.

Mr. DALTON

In view of these facts, and in view of the very small proportion of the money subscribed by the public for the benefit of the blind which actually reaches them, and the large proportion expended in wasteful administration and other expenses, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it desirable to have some official inquiry into the overlapping of these charities?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

There has been an inquiry. I set up a strong Committee a year ago, and their Report is now under my consideration.

Captain FRASER

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the facts in the question are not all the facts, and that some of the statements are inaccurate, and that the expenditure of this particular charity on administration is only 7 per cent. of the total income?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I am glad to hear the statements of my hon. and gallant Friend. I do not want the House to assume for one moment that I accept any of the figures. It is quite impossible for me to be responsible for them.

Mr. BECKETT

Has the attention of the Committee been called to excessive expenditure for political purposes?

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the chairman of St. Dunstan's is a Member of this House, and is unpaid?

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