HC Deb 25 August 1914 vol 66 cc16-7
Mr. SALTER

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for War what sum of money is now in the hands of the South Africa Garrison Institute, and whether any reason can be given why such money should not forthwith be applied for the benefit of soldiers who may be wounded in the war and of the widows and orphans of those who may be killed?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Harold Baker)

The amount of the balance is not exactly known, but it is believed to be about £80,000. I have previously explained that these funds are not directly at the disposal of the Secretary of State, and am consequently unable to give any undertaking that the money will be applied in the manner suggested in the question, though the suggestion is obviously one that should receive consideration.

Captain CLIVE

Will the hon. Gentleman use such influence as he has over the disposal of these funds to see that they are applied to some field force canteen for the Army now in the field?

Mr. H. BAKER

I think I made that clear in the last paragraph of my reply.