§ Mr. F. GRAYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Executive Committee of the Village Clubs' Association decided, in the light of their experience during the past four years, that they are unable usefully to carry on the Association under the conditions suggested by the Development Commissioners; that this decision was adopted by the council and approved by a general meeting of the Association; and whether, under these circumstances, he will take steps to secure the rconsideration of the position?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERThe answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, I explained to the hon. Member on the 25th April that after careful consideration the Development Commissioners were satisfied that the efficiency of the Association would not be endangered by the abolition of the existing staff of salaried organisers. A letter which the Association addressed to the Treasury on the 25th April is, however, being sent to the Commissioners for their observations, and in the meantime, though I understand it to be unlikely that their decision will be reconsidered, I am not in a position to state their final decision. The hon. Member is no doubt aware that, even if the Treasury did not share the view of the Commissioners, they have no 1397W power to direct them to make a grant which they regard as inadvisable.