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Public Halls, Poplar (Political Meetings)

Volume 155: debated on Monday 19 June 1922

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asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the action of the Poplar Borough Council in permitting political organisations to use public buildings as offices and committee rooms for propaganda purposes, and to use public notice boards for political announcements; whether an adequate payment is made for such usage; and, if not, will he take steps to prevent the charges for lighting, cleaning, and telephone falling upon the ratepayers, and present an estimate of the cost already incurred by such procedure?

I am informed by the borough council that the Regulations issued by them permit of their public halls being let free of charge to all political parties for meetings, on requisition signed by 20 ratepayers, and that bills announcing political meetings are posted outside the halls in which the meetings are held. I am also informed that no separate accounts are kept of the cost of lighting, cleaning, etc., in connection with such meetings. I have no power to take any action in the matter, except upon an appeal against a decision by the district auditor on the accounts before him at audit.