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Third Sector Review

It is made clear in the third sector review that"““the Government can see no objection—legal or other—to a charity pursuing””" its objectives"““wholly or mainly through political activities””." Earlier, however, in response to my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham, the Minister said that exclusively political activities would not be allowed. Does that continue to be his position? If so, what is his position on the use of ““wholly or mainly”” political activities to promote a charity's interests? Is he still in favour of that? What has changed since the publication of the review in July to justify his backing away from the stated purpose to allow charities to pursue their purpose"““wholly or mainly through political activities””?" I will give way to him, if he likes, so that he can clarify the reason for the change of heart—[Interruption.] Perhaps the Parliamentary Secretary will save his blushes. I do not know what has happened between then and now, but the Minister for the Cabinet Office has got himself into some difficulty. He should read his own fine print and he should reflect before associating himself too closely with his colleague, Baroness Kennedy. She bases her review on an assertion—no doubt true—that trust in charities"““far outstrips the confidence placed in political parties””," but the Minister's answer seems to be to make charities more like political parties. If we go down that road, we are likely to suffer a loss of confidence, which would be disastrous for all the good causes expressed here today.