MR. LLOYD-MORGAN (Carmarthenshire, W.)I beg to ask the hon. Member for the Elland Division, as representing the Charity Commissioners, whether he can state the aggregate amount paid out of charitable funds (under the supervision of the Commissioners) in respect of pensions; and whether the Charity Commissioners propose to issue any general instructions to trustees and others administering charitable funds, with reference to existing pensioners or to the granting of new pensions after 1st January, 1909, or in anticipation of that date.
§ MR. SOARES (Devonshire, Barnstaple)In a Memorandum prepared by the Local Government Board last year and presented to Parliament (Cd. 3618) it was stated that the Charity Commissioners calculated that the total amount applicable to pension and almshouse charities in England and Wales was not less, and was probably more, than £661,000, and it was estimated that the annual amount distributable by weekly pensions was about £370,000. Having regard to the diversity of the trusts and the circumstances under which pensions are payable out of charitable endowments, the Commissioners do not propose to issue any general instructions on the points referred to. In cases where the trustees have a discretionary power under their trusts it will be their duty to exercise it, and in 86 all cases it is open to trustees to obtain the advice of the Commissioners in the particular circumstances and, if necessary, a new scheme.