§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce legislation to establish fuller rights of redress for those who make donations, including property, to charities in good faith and then later find that their donations have been used, contrary to their expectations and intentions, for commercial rather than charitable purposes; and if he will consider means by which they can subsequently regain possession of such assets.
§ Mr. NewtonThe Charity Commissioners have powers to investigate and check abuse in the affairs of charities; those powers do not extend to commercial enterprises even when linked to a charity. In so far as the charitable organisation is concerned, the Charity Commissioners are now investigating the allegations which I assume gave rise to the hon. Member's question.