§ 2. Mr. Liptonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in the light of the refusal of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis to permit a street collection in Lambeth by the Stockwell Group of Amnesty International, he will set up an inquiry into the working of the law relating to street collections.
The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Dr. Shirley Summer-skill)I do not consider that such an inquiry is needed.
§ Mr. LiptonWill my hon. Friend say why it is only in London that this worthy body, Amnesty International, is denied the opportunity of having a street collection? Why is it that even my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has no jurisdiction over the Commissioner of Police in this regard? Who are the members of this mysterious advisory body which advises the Commissioner of Police on whether Amnesty International and similar reputable bodies should be allowed to hold collections in the London area?
§ Dr. SummerskillThe committee is chaired by the Deputy Commissioner and its members comprise representatives of the London Mayors Association, the Labour Mayors Association of London, the Family Welfare Association, the County Councils Association, the Associa- 758 tion of District Councils, the London Council of Social Service and the London Boroughs Association. If my hon. Friend is not satisfied with the decision in this case, I recommend him to make further representations to the Commissioner, who, I am sure, will look at the matter again.