asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, on future occasions, he will invite applications from a wide range of registered charities for the use of carol-singing facilities in Trafalgar Square with a view to such facilities being made available, in rotation, to a number of good causes traditionally associated with the Christmas message.

No. My right hon. Friend sees no reason to change the present practice whereby applications are accepted from 1 January onwards each year. Normally some sessions remain free until November or even later.