§ 81. Mr. J. P. FARRELLasked whether out of the sum of £430,000 contributed by the public for the relief of sufferers by the "Titanic" disaster a sum of barely £2,000 has been granted to the relatives and dependents of third-class Irish passengers lost in the "Titanic"; whether he intends to call for an inquiry into the method of ascertaining the amounts allotted to each case by the several committees acting under the Public Trustee; and whether the latter official will be allowed to keep in his hands the unexpended balance of this fund, and, if so, for what purpose?
Mr. BUXTONAs I informed my hon. Friend in reply to questions put by him yesterday, the Board of Trade have no 1183 authority over the Public Trustee. In regard to the administration of the "Titanic" Fund, I am informed by the Public Trustee that two reports and accounts have been presented to the Mansion House Committee, who retain control of the fund, and under whose auspices the appeal to the public was made. A scheme for the permanent administration of the fund has, I understand, been approved by this committee and embodied in a deed of trust. The examination of claims and allocation of grants to claimants on the Mansion House "Titanic" Fund has been in the hands of local committees, including an Irish committee, reporting for confirmation to a sub-committee of the Mansion House General Committee. Specific provision is made in the trust deed for the disposal of any unexpended balance of the fund on the completion of the administration.