HC Deb 28 April 1909 vol 4 c324
Captain CLIVE

asked the hon. Member for the Barnstaple Division, as representing the Charity Commissioners, whether he is aware that certain charities in the parish of Kingstone, Herefordshire, have always been spent, as intended by their founders, on coal and clothes for the poor of the parish; that some of these poor people have also been in receipt of outdoor relief, but on the same scale as in neighbouring parishes where there are no charities; and, seeing that no aid is thus given to the rates, and section 26 of the scheme of the Commissioners is thus not contravened, whether the Commissioners will allow this charity to be given as before?

Mr. E. J. SOARES

It is true that prior to the scheme of 23rd December, 1908, persons in receipt of outdoor relief have received benefits from these charities. This was improper, as under a long series of decisions of the Courts, from 1744 onwards, such persons are not eligible for such charities. The Commissioners therefore do not propose to alter the scheme made in accordance with the law, from which they have no power to depart.

Mr. ARNOLD HERBERT

Is this a case in which the objects appointed by the donor of the charity cannot be carried out?

Mr. SOARES

The objects appointed by the donor of the charity have not been carried out, and the Commissioners have made their scheme at the request of the Parish Council.