§ 20. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Excelsior Philanthropic Society, recently licensed, with its headquarters in London, whose operations were criticised in evidence before the Select Committee on Charitable Collections, is now extending its operations to the provinces; and whether he will take steps to confine its operations to the area which it covered prior to the granting of the licence?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir John Anderson)According to my information this society was operating in provincial centres before any question arose of obtaining an authority under the House-to-House Collections Act. In any case the grant of an authority under that Act could not, I am advised, properly be used for the purpose of restricting the operations of those persons who may be authorised to make such collections.
§ Mr. DaviesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this society is operating for the first time in the city of Manchester, and that it is regarded as a nuisance by the people there?
§ Sir J. AndersonI will look into the matter.
§ Mr. NaylorCan the right hon. Gentleman explain why an institution of this kind which is not considered sufficiently respectable to be allowed to operate in the provinces, is considered good enough for London?
§ Sir J. AndersonThat was the point of my answer. It is considered to be good enough for London, and therefore its operations in the provinces are not to be restricted.