§ Mr. WATERSONasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, under the Police, Factories, &c. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1916, a band desirous of playing hymns and carols at Christmastide to its supporters and friends is compelled to secure permission from the local authority, and to submit to that authority a balance sheet of the proceeds; and, if so, what steps is he prepared to take to remove this anomaly?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe Act mentioned empowers the local authority to make regulations as to the collection of money in the streets, and the band in question would only be subject to the regulations if money is collected in streets or public2004W places. The making of regulations as regards such collections is a matter for the local authority, and there are no steps which I can take in the matter.