HC Deb 05 April 1939 vol 345 cc2780-1
61. Sir Cooper Rawson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now considered the application for a licence for incorporation of a company not for profit, under the name "The Oxford Group"; whether he has considered the petitions supporting the application, signed by 125 Members of Parliament of all parties, by many religious leaders, lord mayors, mayors, aldermen, councillors, and business and professional men throughout the country; and what decision he has arrived at?

The Parliamentary. Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Cross)

The matter is still under consideration, but I hope that it will be possible to reach a decision at an early date.

Sir C. Rawson

Can my hon. Friend tell me whether he has received opinions also from a large number of Oxford men in support of the petition and from the Fellows and professors of different colleges at Oxford?

Mr. Cross

I have received a large number of representations from both sides.

Sir Patrick Hannon

In view of the beneficent influence of this movement, if a petition is submitted, will it receive careful consideration?

Mr. Crossley

Can my hon. Friend say what this group has to do with Oxford?

Mr. Gallacher

It has more to do with Hitler.