§ 76. Mr. SUTCLIFFEasked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement about the investigation which is now proceeding as regards the number of flag days held each year; and whether he will give an assurance that the voluntary hospitals will not be prejudicially affected by any new regulations which may be issued?
§ Mr. LLOYDI presume my hon. Friend is referring to a development foreshadowed in the report for 1935 of the advisory committee, which advises the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as regards the grant of permission for flag days in the Metropolitan Police District. Discussions have been taking place between the committee and various charitable interests, with a view to securing a reduction in the number of flag days by arrangements for kindred charities to make combined appeals to the public. No change in the regulations is contemplated and the new arrangements have still to be completed, but the Commissioner sees no reason to fear that the hospitals will suffer from them.
§ Mr. SUTCLIFFECan my hon. Friend say when the report is likely to be issued?
§ Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is very strong 37 opposition in the outer suburbs to this action of the commissioner; and will he make the strongest representations to the commissioner in the matter?
§ Mr. A. HENDERSONIs it intended to have a flag day in order to restore the credit of the Government?
§ Mr. LLOYDI ought to say that although there was a decrease in the number of flag days during 1935 there has actually been an increase in the amount of money collected.