§ Mr. CLUSEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether there is a rule against the collection of money in the Royal parks; and whether, in view of the distress in the mining areas, permission can be granted for miners' choirs to sing in Hyde Park and collect money from those willing to render assistance to miners' dependants?
§ Captain HACKINGThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second, the First Commissioner regrets that he cannot make any exception to a rule which is strictly observed in the interests of the general public, and in its operation affects many deserving charities.