§ Captain BOWYERasked the Home Secretary whether the bands of North Bucks are still obliged to apply to the police for permission to collect at open-air concerts for the benefit of the band funds; whether he realises that these bands have to look to the public entirely for their support; that 14 days' notice has to be given to the police; and that if the day on which permission is obtained from them turns out to be wet another 14 days have to be wasted before a band can play again; whether this restriction was purely a war-time measure; and whether he will cause it to be removed as soon as possible?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have made inquiries and find that under the Regulations made by the Standing Joint Committee2050W for Buckinghamshire, bands who wish to make a collection in any street or public place are required to apply to the Chief Constable for a permit and to give 14 days' notice. These Regulations are made under the Police, Factories, Etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1916, Section 5, which is not a temporary or war-time enactment. I am informed by the Chief Constable that three bands have been given a permit available on any day throughout the year for the purpose mentioned, and that he would be willing to consider applications from other bands for the same privilege.