Colonel THORNEasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that 19th June is Alexandra Flag Day; if he is aware that in places like the borough of West Ham it is almost impossible to obtain sufficient flag sellers on account of the age limit being restricted to prohibit sellers under the age of 18 years; and whether he is prepared to have the age limit reduced to sixteen years?
§ Mr. BRACEThe rule in question was made by the Home Secretary because he was satisfied that it was not in the interest of young persons under eighteen that they should be allowed to act as collectors in the London streets, and he has no power to make exceptions in special cases, however excellent the objects of the collections may be.