HC Deb 20 January 1949 vol 460 cc313-4
16. Mr. H. D. Hughes

asked the Minister of Education what assistance from public funds is given to the National Association of Girls Clubs and Mixed Clubs; and if he is satisfied that this is a non-political body.

Mr. Tomlinson

The National Association of Girls Clubs and Mixed Clubs receives direct grant from my Department under the Social and Physical Training Grant Regulations. The amount of this grant for the current year is £20,500. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative.

Mr. Hughes

While this organisation is doing much good work, may I ask whether the Minister's attention has been drawn to the arrangements for its Christmas Cracker Bazaar at the Mayfair Hotel which was opened by Mrs. Winston Churchill, and where the variety bazaar was presided over by Lady Woolton and Mrs. Walter Elliot?—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—In, view of the lack of variety in these arrangements does the Minister consider that it was due to the political bias or the political innocence of its organisers?

Mr. Tomlinson

No, I do not think that there was any political bias. As a matter of fact, if my hon. Friend had gone back to the previous year he would have found that the wife of the Prime Minister presided and the Lord Chancellor opened the bazaar.

Hon. Members

Withdraw.

Mr. Gallacher

In order to show that there is no bias, will the Minister arrange for the next Christmas bazaar to be opened by Mrs. Harry Pollitt?

Mr. Tomlinson

I would point out that the Minister has no jurisdiction in this matter, and we do not determine grants according to the names of the people who open the bazaar.