§ Wing-Commander Jamesasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, excluding two societies who in 1937 drew £15,822, but for which no later figures are available, 31 societies appealing for funds on behalf of animal welfare drew £338,801 from the public during 1938; that except for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which drew £147,476 os. Iod. in that year, few publish full accounts; and whether, in view of the prior needs of human suffering in the time of war, he will not sanction street collections in the Metropolis for this purpose?
§ Sir J. AndersonI am aware that the public annually subscribe large sums to societies for animal welfare. So far as street collections in the Metropolitan Police District are concerned, the issue of permits rests with the Commissioner of Police, and all applications for permits are referred by him to an Advisory Committee. For the last three years the Commissioner has issued only one permit annually for a combined appeal by Animal Societies. I should not feel justified in recommending to the Commissioner that this permit should be refused.