HC Deb 13 July 1944 vol 401 cc1880-1
25. Sir John Mellor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are taken to protect the public from fraudulent street collections and from imposters purporting to collect for reputable charities.

Mr. H. Morrison

Street collections are subject to Regulations made by local police authorities under the Police, Factories, etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1916. Regulations drawn up by the Secretary of State and adopted by a large number of police authorities provide for a careful supervision of the collections so as to ensure that they are made on behalf of reputable organisations and conducted without undue expense.

Sir J. Mellor

Have there been many convictions lately?

Mr. Morrison

I could not say.

Mr. Graham White

Is there any control, a licence having been granted, over the organisation during the ensuing 12 months?

Mr. Morrison

My recollection is that it has to submit accounts, which are examined by a competent authority.