§ Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the discontent on the part of the supporters of the Croydon General Hospital in connection with the action of the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis which, if persisted in, will prevent the continuance of the long established local street collection for that hospital?
§ Sir J. SIMONMy attention has already been drawn to this matter. As stated in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Royton (Mr. Sutcliffe) on the 29th June, the Committee which advises the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis with regard to street collections has already been in consultation with bodies representing various charitable organisations with the object of reducing the number of flag days by means of arrangements providing for combined appeals by kindred charities. It will be appreciated that the success of any such plans would be seriously prejudiced if exceptions were made. Detailed arrangements as regards hospitals are now being worked out by a conference of hospital interests on which the Croydon General Hospital is represented, and I am informed that a statement of the conclusions reached by this body is about to be issued.