HC Deb 20 May 1943 vol 389 c1210
14. Mr. John Dugdale

asked the Minister of Labour whether any record has been kept of the number of people engaged in making, distributing and selling flags and similar tokens in aid of charitable causes, and the time spent by them in so doing?

Mr. Bevin

No, Sir; not by my Department.

Mr. Dugdale

Will not my right hon. Friend take steps to discourage this tiresome work by well-meaning ladies who might be engaged in some more useful occupation?

Mr. Bevin

It does not come under my Department.

Mr. Dugdale

I addressed the Question to the Prime Minister, because I did not know under whose name it came. It was transferred to the Ministry of Labour.

Mr. Bevin

I was asked for certain statistics which I have not got. I am not responsible for flag days.

Mr. McNeil

Surely my right hon. Friend is responsible for the employment of these women whom we have seen wellmcaningly wasting their time.

Sir Herbert Williams

Should we encourage those people who are too mean to put something in the box?

Mr. Thorne

Is it not true that a large number of married women and come of their daughters do this flag selling?

Mr. Bevin

I really do not know. It is not under my Department.