HC Deb 17 November 1893 vol 18 cc1137-9
MR. KEARLEY (Devonport)

I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty are aware that, notwithstanding that the Patriotic Commissioners have been possessed for some months of the funds collected in aid of the sufferers by the loss of H.M.S. Victoria, the first distribution to the widows of the seamen has only taken place within the past fortnight, and that up to the present moment nothing has been done for the mothers and other dependent relatives, and that were it not for the private funds locally distributed at Portsmouth and elsewhere there must have accrued a great amount of destitution which these funds, now under the control of the Patriotic Commissioners, were subscribed to obviate; and whether the Admiralty will take steps to secure that the intended object shall be carried out without further delay?

THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. E. ROBERTSON,) Dundee

Although the Admiralty has no control over the Patriotic Commissioners, and no responsibility for the administration of the funds, I have communicated with them on the subject of my hon. Friend's question, and am assured that they were prepared from the very first to afford immediate relief to those deprived of support by the loss of the Victoria. It was, however, found that immediate and fully adequate relief was being given from the local funds opened at Portsmouth, Devonport, and Malta as well as by the Admiralty, and that an undesirable overlapping would result if the Patriotic Commissioners were to also afford relief. Immediately the first instalment of the Mansion House Fund was paid over to the Commissioners in August last, arrangements were come to with Local Naval Committees as to the systematic distribution of relief. The claims of all widows and orphans have been now investigated and dealt with, and on the 1st instant allowances from the Mansion House Fund commenced and those from local funds ceased. The claims of other dependents are being dealt with as rapidly as possible.

MR. KEARLEY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the awards of the Patriotic Commissioners to widows are only 3s. 6d. a week and those to orphans only 1s.? And are the Government prepared to exorcise any supervision over the administration of the fund?

MR. E. ROBERTSON

I have no information which would enable me to reply to the first part of the question. As to the Government exercising any control over the fund, I have already stated that they have no power of control.

MR. KEARLEY

Did not Lord Spencer make it a condition, when the Fund was handed over, that the Government should have control over its administration?

MR. E. ROBERTSON

There was a condition inserted in the trust deed. I will find out the exact provisions if my hon. Friend desires it.