HL Deb 01 June 1965 vol 266 cc1020-2

2.41 p.m.

LORD AUCKLAND

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will take steps to prohibit salesmen's representatives and other door-to-door callers from leaving polythene bags unless specifically and clearly marked to the effect that they are dangerous to children if misused.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD STONHAM)

My Lords, some, although not all, of the polythene bags used by door-to-door callers are already marked with such a warning. The real danger, however, is that polythene bags, if left on door-steps, may first be found by young children, and a printed warning is no protection to a toddler too young to understand it. We have therefore concentrated on making the bags safer. The distributors mainly concerned have undertaken to use only those bags which are perforated with air holes and are made from film of at least 150 gauge: such bags are thought to be reasonably safe. I understand that following our representations the majority of bags supplied for this purpose are now, in fact, made of 200 gauge film. My right honourable and learned friend is nevertheless considering whether further measures should be taken, by legislation or otherwise.

LORD AUCKLAND

My Lords, while thanking the Minister for that helpful reply, may I ask him whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the House-to-House Collections Company which purports to be a charitable organisation, is putting out these polythene bags for the collection of clothing and other things to go to hospitals? The company also claims to make substantial financial contributions to handicapped and incurable persons. May I ask the Minister whether these requirements are in line with the requirements of the Charities Act, and whether they are operating in the interests of the measures which the Government propose to take?

LORD STONHAM

My Lords, we are aware, and we have investigated, the activities of the House-to-House Collections Company, and it appears that the company's bags have been carefully worded, no doubt with the House-to-House Collections Act in mind. We are advised that the wording on these bags does not, in fact, constitute a charitable appeal, and police inquiries have not revealed any offence under the Act. However, it is the case, as I understand it, that out of its reputed£20,000 annual profit this company makes no contribution whatsoever to hospitals or charitable organisations. It merely forwards to hospitals contributions which are made by charitably disposed persons who give their clothing. Of course, we are watching this closely, and are hoping that in any forthcoming legislation it may be found possible to protect the public against the activities of firms of this kind.

LORD AUCKLAND

My Lords, may I again thank the Minister for his reply? Can he give an assurance that every possible means will be sought to run such firms to ground, in view of the many reputable charitable organisations which are genuinely helping these unfortunate people?

LORD STONHAM

My Lords, I can give your Lordships an assurance that we will do everything possible to prevent the public from being misled by organisations of this kind.