Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Greg Clark (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 12 December 2007 on behalf of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Third Sector

Question: The Minister is trying to hustle the Charity Commission into allowing the establishment of charities whose main activity is political campaigning. The Smith Institute, a registered charity, recently issued a publication that stated"““Britain is a better country because of the choices that voters made in 1997, 2001 and 2005””." [Hon. Members: ““Hear, hear.””] Labour Members make my point for me. Does the Minister think that political statements of that kind enhance or undermine public confidence in charities?

Answer: I have never been a hustler, and I am not about to start now. As for the question of individual charities, it is a matter for the Charity Commission and not for me. The issue of campaigning by voluntary-sector organisations is a live issue between those on the Front Benches. Our position is clear: we believe that third-sector organisations should be able to campaign for changes in the law in support of their charitable objectives. They have told us that the guidance is unclear, which is why we are pleased that the Charity Commission is rewriting its guidance. I find it sad that the hon. Gentleman is, in a way, engaged in a personal crusade to return to the position held by the Conservative party in the 1980s—one of hostility to campaigning by the voluntary sector. We want never to return to those days, and I hope that the hon. Gentleman will see reason.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 469 c284-5
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Charities Charity Commission Political activities Voluntary organisations Finance Grants Social policy Community Development Foundation
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk