§ 14. Mr. MANDERasked the Home Secretary the number of flag days that have been held in London during the present and past year, respectively; and what action he proposes to take in order to restrict the number to the most deserving charities?
§ Mr. CLYNESIn 1930, 318 permits for street collections were issued. Of these 28 were for general collections over the whole or greater portion of the Metropolitan Police District and 290 were for local collections. In 1931, 87 permits have been issued for dates up to and including the 20th May; 17 being for general collections and 70 for local 2178 collections. All applications are carefully scrutinised by the Advisory Committee on Street Collections, but there is no power under the Act or Regulations to restrict the issue of permits solely on account of their number, or to discriminate between charities or other bodies which apply, so long as they are honestly conducted.
§ Mr. MANDERDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that the value of these flag-days is enormously depreciated by their continual recurrence two or three times a week?
§ Mr. CLYNESI have no doubt that that is so, but we cannot resist the pressure of these appeals.
§ Mr. C. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman consider having a Royal Commission on the subject?
§ Mr. GRAHAM WHITECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the figures which he has given do not include a number of duplicate applications for collections relating to the same body in different areas?
§ Mr. CLYNESI think that is probable, but I could not say without notice.