§ 24. Colonel Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that, although a successful charity concert in aid of the Children's Home, East Grinstead, was given by German prisoners 183 of war in mid-October last, the holding of a repeat performance at Ashurstwood for the same charity was forbidden by the War Office; and what was the reason for this refusal.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe prisoners of war were permitted to give the charity concert at East Grinstead owing to certain regulations being overlooked. These regulations have been correctly applied in the case of the concert at Ashurstwood.
§ Colonel ClarkeDoes the Minister understand that the application of these regulations was due to a protest on the part of the Musicians' Union, and does he consider that it is right that the policy of the War Office and charitable actions on the part of prisoners of war should be controlled by unions and not by himself?
§ Mr. ShinwellI understand that some difficulty arose because there was a charge for admission, and there was some protest about it. Of course, while we are not in the hands of the Musicians' Union or any other union, we must pay due regard to their representations.
Vice-Admiral TaylorIs the Minister satisfied that these regulations are really necessary at present, and will he look into the matter again?
§ Mr. ShinwellI have not yet had an opportunity of doing that.
§ Colonel ClarkeDoes the Minister realise that a charity concert at which there is no charge for admission is of very little use?