Shadow charities minister Nick Hurd admitted to being “completely ignorant” of the public collection regulations included in the 2006 Charities Act which have yet to be given force.

At the Institute of Fundraising’s Ready for the Recovery conference in London yesterday, Hurd was challenged by Michael Naidu, assistant director of fundraising at Mencap, about whether a Conservative government would push for the regulations to be put into full force.

Naidu argued that the regulations, which cover public cash collections, are of great significance to the sector and could potentially help unleash more voluntary income for charities. He added that the regulations had already been delayed too long.

Hurd appeared stumped at the question, answering that he was “completely ignorant” of the progress of the regulations and added that the limited resources available to a shadow minister inhibited his ability to stay on top of all such issues related to charities.

Hurd encouraged Naidu to brief him on the matter.

• Read Michael Naidu's blog about this story.