HC Deb 09 September 1914 vol 66 cc581-2
The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Samuel)

I beg to move, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill to enable the Trustees of certain Charities to apply the funds temporarily to the purposes of the Prince of Wales' Relief Fund."

This Bill is introduced on the suggestion of the Charity Commissioners, and deals with certain charities which at the present time are unapplied, or, in the opinion of the trustees, cannot be applied to the prescribed purposes. It is suggested that the Commissioners, with the consent of the trustees, should have power to devote the incomes from those charities for the time being to the Prince of Wales' Fund. The Bill will only apply for the period of the War and six months afterwards.

Sir F. BANBURY

I hope we shall see in the Bill the actual charities which are to be dealt with.

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I believe there is a very considerable list, but I may state that they may only be dealt with by the consent of the trustees on the order of the Charity Commissioners.

Mr. RAWLINSON

Shall we have the Bill to-morrow morning?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

Yes.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

Will the charities affected by the Bill be limited to those which have some objects kindred to those dealt with by the Prince of Wales' Fund?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I understand that these moneys cannot be applied for the purposes originally intended, and a certain number of them are almost derelict.

Mr. HAYES FISHER

May we have a schedule giving the majority of these charities?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I will inquire from the Charity Commissioners.

Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANS

Has the question been considered whether this is the best fund to which to divert these charities? I would like to know? whether it would not be possible to divert some of them to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Association.

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I think on the whole the House would prefer that they should be distributed over the whole population. A large part of this fund is being devoted to soldiers' and sailors' families.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Many workmen are in serious difficulties although they are still contributing weekly contributions to the Prince of Wales' Fund.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. Herbert Samuel and Mr. Charles Allen. Presented accordingly; read the first time; to be read a second time Tomorrow, and to be printed. [Bill 399.]