§ 47. Mr. Bennasked the Prime Minister what advice Her Majesty's Government give before Royal Charters are granted to private organisations; and to what extent political organisations are debarred from receiving a charter.
§ The Prime MinisterThe granting of charters is a matter for the Royal Prerogative, exercised on the advice of the Privy Council. It would not be appropriate to give the reasons for a decision in any particular case. It would, of course, be contrary to established practice for a charter to be granted to a political organisation.
§ Mr. BennWould the right hon. Gentleman convey that very full answer to the Boy Scouts Association?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I shall leave information to be disseminated by the usual channels. I think, myself, that it would be a great pity to deprive the Boy Scouts of their charter because of a single Communist who has been dismissed from their ranks.