§ 44. Mr. GLOSSOPasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the city of 539 Hull and the town of Barnsley have banned poppy day for this year; and whether he will introduce legislation giving a statutory right to those citizens who desire to pay homage to the fallen to purchase and wear a poppy on Armistice Day?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe question what collections shall be allowed in any street or public place is a matter for the local police authority, and I have no power to interfere with any decisions which may have been taken by the Watch Committees in question. The regulations which police authorities are empowered to make only apply to collections in any street or public place and would not prevent the sale of poppies by other methods than street sales.
§ Mr. GLOSSOPAm I to understand from the answer that the right hon. Gentleman is not going to use his influence to try and have removed this slur which has been cast on the men of these towns who gave their lives to the country?
§ Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the 11th November is not an ordinary flag day, but that it is a national observance, when poppies are worn as an act of homage to the dead; and will he use his influence with the local authorities to revoke their decision?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have no direct authority, but I hope that the ventilation of this question in the House may lead to some reconsideration of the matter.
§ Mr. EVERARDCannot the right hon. Gentleman invoke the 'aid of the hon. Members for Hull and Barnsley and ask them to exercise their influence on the local council and to point out to them that over £8,000 was spent in Hull in the last four years, and that that is more than the amount collected in Hull?