§ Mrs. Tateasked the Home Secretary whether it is proposed to take any steps to restrict charitable appeals made overseas on behalf of organisations in this country?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonYes. In view of strong representations received as to the difficulties caused in countries overseas by uncontrolled appeals sent to those countries by charities in this country a Defence Regulation has been made which prohibits persons in the United Kingdom from making appeals in other countries for donations or subscriptions to a charity unless the permission of the Secretary of State is obtained. The regulation provides that permission shall not be granted if it appears that the appeal might be prejudicial to the relations between the United Kingdom and the country in which it is to be made by reason of its being unwelcome in that country or interfering with similar charitable appeals organiśed in that country. Where permission is 709W granted, requirements may be imposed—including requirements as to satisfactory administration—for preventing any prejudicial consequences. Promoters of charitable enterprises have received a great volume of support and generous donations from countries overseas, notably from the United States of America and the Empire, and those who have had experience of the difficulties, which are liable to arise under war conditions will, I am sure, appreciate the need for the new regulation. Applications for permissions from charities with headquarters in Scotland will be dealt with by the Secretary of State for Scotland, and other applications by the Home Secretary.