asked the Home Secretary if he will state the principle underlying the granting of permits to hold flag days within the Metropolitan area; and the total number issued for the year 1933?

Permits for street collections in the Metropolitan Police District are granted by the Commissioner on the recommendations of an Advisory Committee, in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations made by the Secretary of State under the Police, Factories, etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1916. In making their recommendations, the Advisory Committee take into account the evidence of the bona fides of the applicants, and the safeguards offered for due observance of the Regulations, economy of administration, and the proper application of the proceeds. Not more than one permit is given in respect of the same area on any one day. Up to the 31st May, 164 permits had been issued for street collections during 1933, of which approximately one-half have already been held. Only 25 of the permits refer to general collections throughout the whole or greater part of the district; the remainder are local collections.