§ 47. Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked who is responsible for the distribution of the money collected for the Scott Antarctic Fund; whether he is aware that Mrs. Evans, widow of the late Petty-officer Evans, is only receiving 13s. 6d. a week from the Admiralty for the support of herself and her three children; and whether he will take steps to see that the money subscribed by the public is now distributed?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe control of this fund is vested in a body of trustees, including amongst others the Lord Mayor, Lord Curzon, and Sir Edgar Speyer. I understand that the fund has not yet been closed, but that this will be done within a few days, and an allocation will then be made as speedily as possible. In the meantime, every care has been taken, and will be taken to provide immediate assistance where required. As regards the specific case referred to the Noble Lord appears to have based his question on very imperfect information. Mrs. Evans has received (besides the balance of accrued pay, £52) sums amounting to £55 from the Expedition Committees and other funds, and I have no reason to think that her case has not been and is not being adequately treated.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDMight I ask why the name of Captain Oates was not included in his letter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERFor very obvious reasons. Captain Oates had no dependants. It was not from any lack of appreciation of Captain Oates' heroic conduct, because his efforts were just as much appreciated as the efforts of the others.