§ EARL PERCYasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he has yet had time to read the Report of the Royal Commission of the Patriotic Fund; and whether he has come to the conclusion that any steps should be taken as to the management of the Fund?
§ MR. CHILDERSSir, in reply to the noble and gallant Lord, I have to state that when the hon. Member for Greenwich (Baron de Worms) asked me, some days ago, a Question about the last Report of the Patriotic Fund Commissioners, it had only just been received, and I had not read it; but I undertook to do so at 93 once, and, if necessary, to consult my noble Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty as to any steps which should be taken in the matter. I have since had time to peruse the Report carefully, and it is not satisfactory. I have, in consequence, conferred with Lord North-brook, and we have addressed to the Royal Commission a letter, which we have requested may be sent to each Commissioner, and to which we have asked for a reply informing us what remedy the Commissioners will apply to the unsatisfactory state of things which we have pointed out. It will not be possible for me to make any further statement, or to lay any Papers on the Table, during the present Session.