§ MR. J. R. YORKEasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the Patriotic Fund Commissioners have applied, since 1867, for any enlargement of their powers, in order to enable them to assist, out of any funds that may be placed at their disposal, the widows as well as the orphans of soldiers or sailors who may die in the service of their Country; and, if not, whether the Government propose to take any action in that direction?
§ COLONEL STANLEYSir, there have been some communications between the Commissioners of the Patriotic Fund and the Government with regard to this matter, but they are at present of an informal nature, and are still under con- 1137 sideration, and I am not yet able, therefore, to say what action the Government will take.