HC Deb 17 February 1937 vol 320 cc1180-1
43. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Transport why the application of the National Safety First Association for a grant towards the cost of its activities was refused; and upon what ground he discriminated between the application and that made by Mr. Gordon Stewart?

The Minister of Transport (Mr. Hore-Belisha)

There is no discrimination. A similar grant was made to the National Safety First Association for a specific purpose in 1934.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether applications have been made other than that referred to by the National Safety First Association, and whether he has considered any such applications from them?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I do not know to which one the hon. Gentleman refers.

Mr. Sorensen

One since 1934?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I daresay there have been a good many, but there is no obligation on me to give Government money on application by private societies.

Mr. Sorensen

But is there not, if not an obligation, an inclination with regard to individuals, as was the case with Mr. Gordon Stewart?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

No. This money was granted for a specific purpose, a salutary purpose, namely, the saving of child life, and the recipients in question undertook to produce five times the amount of money that the Government have offered to subscribe.