HC Deb 27 July 1931 vol 255 cc1939-40
48. Mr. BOWEN

asked the Post master-General whether, in connection with an historical pageant and Empire fair held at Newcastle-on Tyne, 20th to 25th July, he is aware that bills advertising the pageant were affixed to local post office letter boxes; whether any inquiry was made as to the object to which the proceeds of the pageant, if any, are to be devoted; and, if so, what is the object?

Mr. ATTLEE

Permission was sought by the organisers of the pageant, and, as in previous similar cases, was given by my Department after consultation with the city authorities. No inquiry was made as to the destination of the proceeds, if any, and so far as I can ascertain this has not yet been decided by the pageant finance committee.

Mr. BOWEN

Were the right hon. Gentleman's advisers not aware of a statement made at the town council meeting on 4th February, by the chairman of the Town Moor and Parks Committee, that he understood that the proceeds, if any, of the pageant, would be devoted to the funds of the Conservative party?

Mr. ATTLEE

The only information at our disposal was that £he proceeds of the pageant would be applied to charity.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Did they lose money on the pageant?

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this pageant was a great success, that it was supported by every class of the community, that a considerable amount of revenue was raised—

HON. MEMBERS

Speech!

Mr. BOWEN

Further arising out of that answer, may I ask—

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot have any more supplementaries to this question.