40. Mr. SILVESTER HORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state to the House whether any steps will be taken by the Government to secure public representation and a measure of control in the administration of the funds collected for the relief of sufferers from the "Titanic" disaster?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)As I informed the hon. Member for Uxbridge, in reply to his question of yesterday, I do not think that the administration of the "Titanic" fund, which was privately subscribed, is a matter in which the Board of Trade, as a Department, ought to interfere.
§ Mr. HAY MORGANHas the right hon. Gentleman any knowledge as to the amount of money which has been expended?
§ Mr. BUXTONI think it is about £40,000, but I am not sure. There were three or four funds, and all of them have been amalgamated under a joint committee with a view to seeing that the money is properly administered.
Captain CRAIGWill the Government refrain from diverting this fund to any other civil purpose or tampering with it as they are doing with the funds of the Church in Wales?
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Lord Mayor asked His Majesty's Government to nominate some representative to serve with the other members of the committee?
§ Mr. BUXTONThat was so, and after consultation with those interested we thought that, on the whole, we had better leave it in the hands of those who had asked for subscriptions and the joint committee, in whom we have full confidence.