§ 51. Mr. E. WILLIAMS (for Mr. D. DAVIES)asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons in receipt of transitional payments signing at the following Exchanges: Pontypridd, Pontyclun, and Tonyrefail during the last four weeks of 1934?
Mr. STANLEYAs the reply includes a number of figures, I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the statement:
§ The following table shows the number of persons to whom transitional payments were made direct through the undermentioned employment exchanges during December, 1934.
§ Week. The Commissioner and I are both fully aware of the admirable work done by the Salvation Army and I need hardly say that the refusal of this application does not involve the slightest reflection upon them, but I regret that I see no sufficient reason for suggesting reconsideration of the matter.
§ Mr. THORPIs my right hon. Friend aware that this organisation is making a particular effort this year, and will he, in these circumstances, reconsider the decision not to allow a collection? Is he also aware that the Salvation Army reach a section of the community that is not touched by any other organisation?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe House, of course, is aware of the necessity for reducing the number of street collections. An advisory committee for that purpose was established after wide representation, and on their advice this collection was refused.
§ Mr. HANNONHaving regard to the fact that this collection is being made in His Majesty's Jubilee year, could not some consideration be given to this particular case, and will my right hon. Friend refer the matter back to the advisory committee?
§ Sir IAN MACPHERSONIs it not a fact that there are other collections which might very well be stopped so that preference could be given to this good cause?
§ Sir J. GILMOURVery careful consideration has been given to this matter. The House must not suppose that collections are not being made by the Salvation Army in London. They have been going on in the last few days in premises outside the actual streets. In the circumstances. I do not think any hardship is involved.
§ Major Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIRWill the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the representations from all parts of the House, take this matter into fresh consideration and give it his personal consideration?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am most anxious to be perfectly fair. All I would say to the House is that this matter has been very fully considered, and in the circumstances I do not think there is any real necessity for reconsideration.