HC Deb 19 July 1984 vol 64 c267W
Mr. Amess

asked the Attorney-General what response he has received from students' unions and university authorities to his circular on the legality of payments from student union funds.

The Attorney-General

I have received a number of expressions of appreciation for the help given by the guidance which I put out last October. I have also had requests for advice on the legality of certain proposed payments in particular cases but I am precluded, in this as in other fields, from giving advice to private persons or bodies about their legal rights and obligations in specific circmstances. However, under section 24 of the Charities Act 1960, the Charity Commissioners may, on the written application of the trustee of a charity, give him their opinion or advice on any matter affecting the performance of his duty. In some cases I have had representations about expenditure that has been incurred, or threatened, by student unions in apparent breach of trust. I have had investigations into such cases instituted and, if it appears that a breach of trust has occurred, I shall consider whether to take legal proceedings against those responsible.